Prompt design for executive summary generation

Prompt Design for Executive Summary Generation

To effectively generate an executive summary using AI, the prompt must be precise, context-rich, and goal-oriented. Below is a structured guide on how to design prompts for creating high-quality executive summaries from various types of content (e.g., reports, articles, meeting transcripts, business plans).

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🔹 1. Define the Purpose of the Executive Summary

Clearly state what the summary should achieve. Common purposes include:

• Summarize key findings of a business report

• Highlight strategic recommendations

• Present a condensed version for C-level decision-makers

Prompt Element Example:
“Summarize this market research report into a one-paragraph executive summary focusing on key trends, growth opportunities, and strategic insights.”

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🔹 2. Specify the Target Audience

The tone and depth vary depending on the audience:

• Executives prefer high-level insights

• Technical leads may need more specific details

Prompt Element Example:
“Write an executive summary suitable for a CEO with limited time, focusing on the business impact and ROI.”

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🔹 3. Set the Desired Length and Format

Be clear about expected word count and structure:

• One paragraph

• Bullet points

• 100–150 words

Prompt Element Example:
“Provide a 150-word executive summary using bullet points for key findings and conclusions.”

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🔹 4. Provide Context or Source Material

Paste the full document or indicate where the content comes from. If the source is too large, specify which sections to focus on.

Prompt Element Example:
“Using the following meeting transcript, write an executive summary highlighting decisions made and action items. [Insert transcript here]”

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🔹 5. Add Constraints or Emphasis Areas

If certain areas are more important, guide the model accordingly:

• Emphasize financials

• Include strategic priorities

• Avoid technical jargon

Prompt Element Example:
“Generate an executive summary of the business plan, emphasizing market positioning and financial projections. Exclude operational details.”

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✅ Full Example Prompts

Example 1: For a Business Report

“Summarize the following business report into an executive summary for board members. Focus on key performance metrics, strategic initiatives, and future recommendations. Limit to 200 words.”

Example 2: For a Market Analysis

“Write a 150-word executive summary from this market analysis, tailored to senior stakeholders. Highlight market trends, competitive landscape, and potential risks.”

Example 3: For a Meeting Transcript

“Create an executive summary from this leadership meeting transcript. Focus on major decisions, deadlines, and any changes to company strategy. Use bullet points.”

Example 4: For a Strategic Plan

“Generate an executive summary of this 20-page strategic plan. Highlight vision, goals, success metrics, and investment needs. Keep the tone formal and professional.”

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🔸 Final Tips for Better Prompting

• Always clarify who the summary is for.

• Indicate how concise it should be.

• Specify whether it should be objective or persuasive.

• Optionally include formatting preferences (headings, bullets, paragraph).

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If you have a specific document type or content source, I can help craft a tailored prompt accordingly.