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.

Continue to PAGE 3: Priming + Prompt Engineering Basics