V
Variables
Core Questions
- ?What constraints bound the output (length, tone, format)?
- ?What must be included or excluded?
- ?What audience-specific parameters apply?
- ?Are there domain-specific values, thresholds, or limits?
Micro-Template
Constraints: Audience: [who]. Tone: [style]. Length: [limit]. Include: [items]. Exclude: [items].
Anti-Patterns
| Error | Correction |
|---|---|
| No constraints specified | Even minimal variables (tone, length, audience) dramatically improve output relevance. |
| Contradictory constraints | Ensure include and exclude lists do not conflict. Review for consistency. |
| Over-constraining creative tasks | For ideation, set boundaries but leave room for creative exploration. |
| Missing exclusions | Stating what to avoid is as important as stating what to include. |
| Unstated assumptions about defaults | Do not assume the model shares your default preferences. Be explicit. |
Self-Check
- ✔If you removed the variables, would the output still meet your needs?
- ✔Are inclusion and exclusion lists internally consistent?
- ✔Have you specified the parameters that matter most for this domain?
Interaction Note
Variables are the precision dials of the prompt. They constrain the Object to match real-world requirements and prevent the model from making assumptions. V interacts strongly with T (domain constraints) and E (scoring thresholds).