Build Your RAFT: GPT Prompt Training for Creators
PAGE 2 — BUILD YOUR RAFT: GIVE GPT WHAT IT NEEDS TO DELIVER WHAT YOU WANT
First Principle: GPT Doesn’t Think. It Builds.
ChatGPT isn’t a genius. It’s a builder. It takes whatever you give it — and tries to finish the job.
If your prompt is clear, structured, and purposeful, GPT becomes your co-creator. If your prompt is messy, vague, or incomplete, GPT guesses — and you end up rewriting everything.
This page teaches you how to give GPT the right instructions so it works like a creative partner.
What Is a Prompt?
A prompt is the message you type into ChatGPT to tell it what to do. It’s not a question or casual idea. It’s an instruction — and should be treated like one.
Think of ChatGPT like a smart assistant sitting across from you. It can write anything — if you tell it what you want, how you want it, and who it’s for.
USE THIS MODEL: RAFT
RAFT is your branded input framework. Use it every time you prompt ChatGPT — for bios, captions, lyrics, posts, emails, and launch content.
| Letter | What It Stands For | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Role | Who GPT should be (or who it’s writing for) | “You are a content strategist...” |
| Action | What you want it to do | “Write a short bio…” |
| Format | What kind of output you need | “Make it 2 sentences, under 100 words” |
| Tone | What voice or mood it should have | “Use a bold, faith-driven tone” |
Say it with me: Role → Action → Format → Tone
“Build the RAFT before you set sail.”
TRY THIS NOW — BUILD YOUR FIRST RAFT
Open ChatGPT and paste this:
“You are a content strategist. Write a 2-line bio for a gospel/reggae fusion artist. Format it as a Spotify-ready sentence. Use a confident and poetic tone.”
Then follow up with:
- “Now give me a version that’s more conversational.”
- “Now make it feel more soulful.”
- “Now rewrite it under 120 characters.”
This is how pros use GPT — they build the RAFT, get the draft, and guide it into alignment.
PROMPT FIX: Weak vs. Strong
| Prompt | Result | Why It Works or Fails |
|---|---|---|
| “Write about my music” | Flat, generic copy | No role, no format, no tone, no audience |
| “You are a music marketer. Write a 1-line mission for a gospel artist focused on healing and hope. Use poetic language.” | On-brand, usable result | Full RAFT in action |
ADVANCED MODEL: RACE
Once you’ve got RAFT down, RACE gives you more creative control for bigger tasks.
| Role | Who GPT should be or emulate
| Action | What you want it to do
| Context | Key info about your brand, style, or project
| Example | (Optional) Sample to follow, tone reference, or framework
Example:
“You are a brand strategist. Write a 5-post rollout for a new spoken-word single. My style is raw, spiritual, and focused on restoration. Use a vibe like early Lauryn Hill or Common.”
WHAT TO WATCH FOR WHEN USING GPT
Even with strong prompts, here’s what to be aware of:
GPT Makes Things Up
It may invent facts, quotes, or product features — especially if your context is vague.
Fix: Feed it real info. Always check claims before you use them.
GPT Doesn’t Know Your Brand Yet
If you don’t tell it your message, voice, or audience — it will give you generic content.
Fix: Prime GPT with your brand identity before writing (covered in Page 3).
GPT Can Sound Smart but Be Off-Message
It might produce text that’s well-written but not aligned with your tone or intent.
Fix: Ask GPT:
“What about this sounds generic?”
“Rewrite this with more emotional depth.”
“Make this feel more like my brand voice.”
USE THIS MODEL: CROP (Prompt Self-Check)
Before hitting enter, ask yourself:
| Clarity | Is my instruction easy to follow?
| Relevance | Does it connect to my audience or goal?
| Output | Did I ask for a specific format?
| Purpose | Did I say what I want the result to do?
If not — edit the prompt before you send it.
WHAT TO REMEMBER
✔ GPT doesn’t create — it completes.
✔ RAFT helps you write better prompts, faster.
✔ Use RACE when your task needs more detail.
✔ Use CROP as a quick self-check before submitting.
✔ You’re not searching — you’re instructing. GPT works for you.
NEXT: TEACH GPT WHO YOU ARE
Now that you can give clear instructions…
Let’s teach GPT your voice, mission, and message so every response sounds like it came from you.