Gemini Models Prompt Guide

Gemini responds best when your prompts are clear, structured, and grounded. A simple formula makes it easy: P–T–C–F → Persona, Task, Context, Format.

Table of Contents

1. Start with a Persona

2. Define the Task Clearly

3. Add Context

4. Specify the Format

5. Keep it Natural and Concise

6. Iterate and Refine

7. Ground in your Files

8. Use Power Prompts

9. Always Review the Output

10. Practical Prompt Templates by Use Cases

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1. Start with a Persona

Tell Gemini who it should be. Giving it a role makes answers more realistic and tailored.

Less effective:

Summarize this report

More effective:

You are a program manager in the healthcare industry. Summarize this report for executives.

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2. Define the Task Clearly

Use a verb: summarize, draft, compare, rewrite, create. Clear actions = clear results.

Example:

Draft an executive summary email for the attached report

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3. Add Context

Explain why you need the output and where it will be used. This avoids generic results.

Example:

This summary will be used in an upcoming board presentation based on @[Project Roadmap Doc].

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4. Specify the Format

Say exactly how you want the answer delivered: bullets, table, JSON, slides, short paragraph.

Example:

Limit to 5 bullet points under 20 words each

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5. Keep it Natural and Concise

Write prompts like you’re talking to a colleague. Avoid over-engineering.

Tip: The sweet spot is ~20 words. Enough detail to be clear, but not so much that it’s cluttered.

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6. Iterate and Refine

Don’t stop at the first draft. If Gemini misses the mark, add more detail and try again.

Prompt idea:

Good, now expand the summary into 3 sections: background, decisions, and next steps

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7. Ground in your Files

Reference files directly to keep Gemini anchored.

Example:

Summarize @[Customer Feedback Q3] into 5 themes for the leadership team

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8. Use Power Prompts

In Gemini Advanced, you can ask it to rewrite your prompt for clarity.

Example:

Make this a power prompt: Turn my notes into a client-ready proposal

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9. Always Review the Output

Gemini can make mistakes. Check for clarity, accuracy, and tone before sharing.

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10. Practical Prompt Templates by Use Case

General Task Prompt

Persona: [Who Gemini should act as].
Task: [Action verb + goal].
Context: [Why this matters, who it’s for].
Format: [How the output should look – list, table, paragraph, etc.].
Tone: [Optional - professional, friendly, concise, etc.].

Analyze a Dataset

Persona: You are a business analyst preparing insights for an executive dashboard.
Task: Analyze the provided dataset and summarize key performance trends.
Context: This will be used in a leadership meeting to guide Q3 strategy. Keep it simple and visually clear.
Format:
1. 1 short paragraph summary
2. 3 bullet-point insights
3. 1 recommendation section (2 sentences max)
Tone: Professional, factual, and concise. Avoid jargon or statistical notation.
Note: Keep the analysis conversational and grounded. Imagine explaining it aloud to an exec in under a minute.

Summarize Emails and Next Steps

Persona: You are an operations coordinator summarizing a long internal email thread.
Task: Write a brief summary and list next steps with owners.
Context: The summary will be shared with management to confirm alignment on tasks.
Format:
1. Summary: 3–4 lines capturing discussion points
2. Decisions: Bulleted list
3. Next Steps: Tasks with names and deadlines
4. Tone: Clear, neutral, and professional.

Generate Marketing Content

Persona: You are a marketing copywriter at an AI company.
Task: Write a LinkedIn post promoting a new AI product feature.
Context: The target audience is business leaders who want practical benefits, not technical details.
Format:
1. Headline: 1 line under 12 words
2. Body: 3 short sentences (what, why it matters, call to action)

Tone: Engaging, confident, and human. Avoid over-engineering or buzzwords.

Act as a Sales Assistant

Persona: You are a sales assistant following up after a client demo.
Task: Draft a short and warm follow-up email that reinforces value and suggests next steps.
Context: The goal is to reconnect without sounding pushy.
Format:
1. Greeting
2. 1-sentence recap of demo
3. 2 bullet points of value or benefits
4. Clear call to action (e.g., “Let’s schedule a 15-minute call next week.”)
Tone: Friendly, respectful, and action-oriented.

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Final Tip

Think P–T–C–F every time. If Gemini knows who it is, what to do, why it matters, and how to format, you’ll get sharper results every time.

Learn more about Gemini Prompt Engineering in Google’s Prompting Guide 101