Everyday work · Free guide

Make that email easier to write.

Start with rough notes. Get a clear first draft. Keep the facts and final wording in your hands.

Use with

A text-based AI tool

Bring along

Your key points, the reader and the next step you need.

Keep in mind

Check the result before you use it.

You bring the facts. AI helps with the words.

You do not need perfect notes. A few clear points are enough to start. Leave out private details the tool does not need, such as passwords or customer payment information.

  1. Write the purpose of the email in one sentence.
  2. Add the facts you know and the next step you need.
  3. Fill in the prompt and paste it into a text-based AI tool.
  4. Read the full draft before sending it yourself.

1. Turn your notes into a draft

Replace the bracketed parts with your own details. If there is no deadline, say so.

EMAIL DRAFT PROMPT
Turn my rough notes into a clear, friendly email.

Who I am writing to: [person and our working relationship]
What I need the email to do: [one main purpose]
My notes: [paste the facts and key points]
Action I want the reader to take: [what should happen next]
Confirmed date or deadline, if any: [date, or no deadline]
Tone: [friendly, formal or direct]
Length: [rough word count]

Use simple English and short paragraphs. Keep the meaning of my notes. Do not invent dates, promises, progress, reasons or facts. If an important detail is missing, ask me before drafting.

Give me one subject line and the email. Put anything I still need to confirm in a separate note after the draft.

A simple example to try

Try these details in the prompt. This is a made-up example, not a real email exchange.

Who: a colleague working on the same project.
Purpose: ask for feedback on an outline.
Notes: the outline has three sections; I would like feedback before writing the first draft.
Next step: ask them which sections need more detail.
Deadline: no deadline agreed.
Tone: friendly.
Length: about 100 words.

2. Make it shorter

If the first draft feels too long, use this follow-up in the same conversation.

SHORTEN THE DRAFT
Make this draft shorter while keeping the same facts and the requested next step. Use everyday words. Remove repeated points. Do not add new claims, deadlines or commitments.

3. Read it once before you send

  • Are the names, dates and details correct?
  • Did it add a promise you did not make?
  • Is the next step clear?
  • Does it sound like something you would say?

Change any wording that does not feel right. The draft is a starting point.