AI prompt guide for content creation
Free AI platforms can be powerful tools to help save time, generate ideas and improve clarity in written communications. They should support, not replace, our professional judgement and community insight. This guide sets out key principles, practical applications and suggested prompts to help you get started.
Key principles for using AI
AI is a tool to extend capacity, not replace human judgement - Use AI to speed up tasks, draft first versions, or simplify complex text. Always apply your knowledge of local context, tone and accuracy.
Be specific and detailed - Vague prompts produce vague results. The more detail you provide, the closer the output will be to what you need. Use the RISE approach (recommended by See Media)
R – Role: Who you want the AI to act as (e.g., “Act as a rural housing communications officer”). I – Intent: What you want to achieve (e.g., “draft a plain English summary”). S – Specifics: Provide details (length, key points, tone, audience). E – Expected Output: What format you want (e.g., “3 social media posts”, “150-word intro”).
How RHEs use AI day-to-day
AI tools can help with:
- Drafting newsletters, social posts, press releases
- Summarising policy documents into plain English
- Analysing survey responses or community feedback to spot themes
- Brainstorming campaign angles, event ideas or headlines
Recommended free AI platforms
All are free or have free tiers:
- ChatGPT (OpenAI): drafting, summarising, rewriting text, idea generation
- Google Gemini: translation, research support, content creation
- Microsoft Copilot: integrated with Word, Excel and Outlook for drafting, editing and formatting
- Canva AI: social graphics, posters, simple videos, layouts
- Synthesia: AI video creation (helpful for explainers or training content)
Always check outputs for accuracy and appropriateness before publishing.
How to write prompts (with examples)
A good prompt includes:
- Context – what the content is for
- Audience – who will read it
- Tone – friendly, formal, plain English, etc.
- Key points – anything that must be included
- Format – press release, tweets, summary, etc.
Example prompts for RHE tasks
Press release drafting
“Act as a rural housing communications officer. Draft a 350-word press release announcing the results of a Housing Needs Survey in [location]. Use plain English and no Oxford commas or em dashes. Include: the number of households identified as in need, quotes from a parish councillor and RHE (create realistic placeholders), and a call to action for residents to learn more. Format with subheadings.”
Social media posts
“Write five short social posts (Facebook and Instagram friendly) promoting a Housing Needs Survey in [location]. Tone: friendly and local. Include a call to action and one post focused on encouraging younger residents to take part.”
Summarising a policy document
“Summarise this document in plain English in no more than 200 words. Assume the audience is residents with no planning knowledge. Highlight only the key points.”
(Then paste the text.)
Data analysis
“Analyse the following survey responses and list the top five recurring themes affecting residents. Present the results in a bullet‑point summary.”
Generating campaign ideas
“Generate 10 campaign ideas to encourage residents in rural villages to complete a Housing Needs Survey. Include a mix of online and offline ideas.”
- Always check facts: AI can make mistakes.
- Avoid sharing personal or confidential data: never paste in identifiable resident info and the free versions of AI all use the information in the chats to learn how to improve.
- Keep tone authentic: adapt wording to reflect your community’s voice.
- Use as a starting point, not the finished product: edit to ensure accuracy and appropriateness.
Quick one sentence prompt formula
A simple structure for fast tasks:
“Act as [role]. Create [type of content] for [audience] about [topic], using [tone]. Include [key points]. Output as [format].”