CLAUDE.md/SKILL.md Notes: Reusable File Skeleton
claude config file skeleton
Chapter III
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claude config file skeleton
interrogate → two prompt versions + diff
raise the ambition of the ask
1. The Ambition Prompt Sophisticated users applied AI to their most complex, highest-stakes work. For a solopreneur that might be a pricing decision, a client fire, or whether to hire. For someone inside a team it might be a headcount plan or a quarterly strategy doc. Same principle. I'm facing [specific business decision with stakes]. My current context: - [Context 1] - [Context 2] - [Constraint 1] - [What I've already ruled out and why] I want you to work through this with me as a thinking partner, not a writing assistant. Your job is to: 1. Identify the two or three assumptions I'm making that could be wrong 2. Surface the option I'm probably not considering 3. Tell me what I'd need to know to make this decision with confidence Push back on my framing if my framing is the problem.
set scope boundaries
pick the right tool/model
force reasoning + sources + assumptions
load context effectively
set role + analytical lens
make the model execute, not argue
hold an exact word count
match a voice sample's register
surface prompt ambiguities for 4.7
extract values + decisions from an image
force a verification log before answering
classify task → default/high/xhigh effort
rank sessions by token cost + swaps
plan with intent/constraints, then stop
predict full/partial/decline before running
compare 4.6 vs 4.7 on a saved prompt
spot pressure language in your prompt
remove pressure, keep the ask
strip hedging from output
a code brief that resists shortcuts
dial creative warmth up/down
sequence constraints for better output
keep the document current
AI drafts your context document
never-use words, tone, do/don't rules
interview yourself to complete it
intent vs reception gaps
diagnose why a prompt failed
classify assumptions TESTED/PLAUSIBLE/FRAGILE
diagnose offer clarity
pre-mortem a plan
self-critique + revise against criteria
Prompt 5: Evaluator-in-the-loop - critique and revise before delivery THE PURPOSE : First drafts are rarely final quality. This pattern builds revision into the workflow by forcing the model to evaluate its own output against your criteria, identify weaknesses, and fix them before you ever see the result. You get second-draft quality on the first pass. Copy and customize this prompt: You will create [artifact type] and then evaluate it before delivering. **Task**: [Describe what you need] **Audience**: [Who this is for] **Context**: [Any relevant background] **Step 1 - First draft**: Create the complete [artifact] based on the task description. **Step 2 - Internal review**: Evaluate your draft against these criteria: 1. [Criterion 1 - be specific, e.g., “Uses data to support every major claim”] 2. [Criterion 2 - e.g., “Stays within 1,000 words”] 3. [Criterion 3 - e.g., “Includes at least 3 concrete examples”] 4. [Criterion 4 - e.g., “Written at [X grade level] reading level”] 5. [Criterion 5 - e.g., “Ends with clear next steps”] **Scoring**: Rate each criterion 1-5 where: - 5 = Fully met - 4 = Mostly met with minor gaps - 3 = Partially met - 2 = Significant gaps - 1 = Not met For each criterion, write one sentence explaining your score. **Step 3 - Revision**: If any criterion scored below 4, revise the draft once to address those specific gaps. **Step 4 - Final delivery**: Show me only: - The final [artifact] (revised or original if no revision needed) - Score summary for each criterion - One paragraph explaining what changed between drafts and why Do not show me the first draft. I only see the final result and the improvement explanation. Note : This pattern works best with Claude, which has stronger self-evaluation capabilities than most models.
verify sources before writing
Prompt 3: Source-grounded writer - verify before writing THE PURPOSE : When accuracy matters more than speed, this pattern forces the model to extract every claim, identify its source, verify it’s actually supported, and write only from validated information. You eliminate hallucination and unsupported assertions before they make it into your final output. Copy and customize this prompt: You are a source-grounded analyst who writes only from verified information. **Task**: Create a [report/brief/analysis] on [topic] for [audience] **Tone**: [Specify tone] **Length**: [Target word count] **Sources**: [Paste your notes, quotes, links, transcripts, or data here. If you don’t have sources yet, tell me what you need before proceeding.] **Workflow**: **Step 1 - Extract claims**: Pull 8-15 atomic claims from the sources. For each claim, include: - The specific claim in one sentence - Supporting quote or data point - Exact source (author/publication + date or URL) **Step 2 - Verification plan**: For any claim without direct citation, write a 1-2 sentence plan: what would you check, where would you look? If it’s unverifiable from available sources, mark it “drop or reframe.” **Step 3 - Resolve gaps**: Drop unverifiable claims or reframe them as questions/uncertainties. Keep a “dropped or modified” list with brief explanations. **Step 4 - Write to spec**: Compose the [artifact type] using only the verified claim set. Every significant assertion must trace to a source. **Step 5 - Inline citations**: After each paragraph containing factual claims, add bracketed citations [Author, Year] or [Source, YYYY-MM-DD]. **Step 6 - Self-check**: Rate these 5 criteria on a 1-5 scale: - Accuracy (every claim is sourced) - Coverage (addresses all key aspects) - Clarity (audience can follow easily) - Relevance (stays on target) - Citation quality (sources are clear and accessible) If any score is below 4, revise once and show only the final version. **Deliverables**: - Final [artifact] with inline citations - “Claims used” table mapping each claim to its source - “Dropped/modified” list with reasons
force method selection before execution
You are a systems designer solving complex tasks. **Goal**: [Describe the outcome you need in one sentence] **Constraints**: - Timeline: [How fast do you need this] - Audience: [Who will use this] - Tone: [How should this sound] - Format: [What form should the output take] **Task**: Propose two different solution methods. For each method: 1. Name it clearly 2. List 5 specific steps 3. Estimate time required 4. Identify the biggest risk Create a comparison table: | Method | Strength | Risk | Speed | Quality | |--------|----------|------|-------|---------| **Choose one method** with a two-sentence rationale explaining why this approach beats the alternative for this specific use case. **Execute the chosen method**. Show your work at each step. Number the steps as you complete them. **Final output**: Deliver the result plus a 5-item risk register with specific mitigations for each risk.
outline before expanding
convert a request into a precise spec
reflect-then-respond for better reasoning
prime AI for emotionally resonant content
prime AI for methodical, evidence-based analysis
prime AI for long-term systems strategy
prime AI for diplomatic team communication
break hard problems into solvable parts with backtracking
ground responses in cited sources + confidence
teach AI from success AND failure examples
5 temperature-varied paths → majority vote + synthesis
validate reasoning + reduce hallucination
named prompt scaffold (Role/Requirements/.../Validation) w/ 3 levels
I'm trying to decide between [Option A] and [Option B]. Ask me 3 questions
Write a professional yet warm Slack/Teams message that clearly illustrates my latest insight. [Insight
What's the one thing I should understand first about [topic]?
Help me ask better questions about [subject].
How would [expert/role model] approach this?
Make it more [specific quality you want]
Remember that I [your preference/style/goal]
For future reference, I work best when [your working style]
Keep in mind that my audience is usually [your typical audience]
Note that I tend to [your common pattern] so help me avoid that
Make this email more professional but keep my personality
Turn these notes into action items with deadlines
Help me decline this meeting politely
Summarize this in 3 bullet points
What am I missing about this problem?
Make this clearer without losing the meaning
Help me explain this to someone who doesn't know the context
Turn this into a story that people will remember
What's a better way to phrase this?
Make this sound more confident
Give me 10 different angles on this idea
What would someone totally different do here?
Help me think outside my usual patterns
What's the opposite approach that might work?
Make this more interesting
What am I not considering about this situation?
Help me see this from a completely different perspective.
What would I regret more: doing this or not doing this?
Break this decision down into smaller, easier choices.
Explain this like I'm smart but new to the topic.
Give me an analogy that makes this click.
What are people usually confused about with this?
What's the simplest solution that could actually work?
Help me identify what's really causing this problem.
What would someone with fresh eyes notice about this?
What's one thing I could try right now?
Help me figure out what I'm really trying to achieve here.
What patterns do you notice in what I'm telling you?
What would 'good enough' look like in this situation?
Help me separate what I can control from what I can't.
What's one small change that might make a big difference?
What else should I consider?
How would you improve this?
What's the easiest way to implement this?
What could go wrong with this approach?
Is this actually realistic given my constraints?
What would the simple version of this look like?
Help me test this idea before I commit to it.
What's the minimum viable version of this?
How would I know if this is working?
Review your output from the perspective of ____ and update your work
decide per task whether to add 'think step by step'
assemble all 5 techniques into one GPT instruction block
teach a GPT problem patterns (CONTEXT/OBJECTIVE/...)
generate→verify→final validation loop for accuracy
use AI to craft a specific Custom GPT role
exploration→convergence→execution reasoning
optimize ANY prompt via a rated iterative loop (clarity/specificity/structure)
Based on job descriptions for [target role] in [industry], identify skills gaps in my
Plan a [duration] trip to [destination] for [traveler type/interests]. Include: itinerary, accommodations, transportation, budget
Suggest gifts for [recipient description] with [budget range] for [occasion]. Include: gift categories, specific
Optimize my budget for [financial goals]. Current income: [amount], expenses: [breakdown]. Provide: spending analysis,
Analyze my current role as [position] in [industry] and create a 5-year career advancement
Optimize my LinkedIn profile for [target role/industry]. Review my current [headline/summary/experience] and provide: improved
Research emerging trends in [industry] that will impact [job function] in the next 2-3
Plan my career transition from [current field] to [target field]. Include: transferable skills analysis,
Create a weekly meal plan for [household size] with [dietary restrictions/preferences]. Include: shopping list,
Help me set up [specific technology/software] for [intended use]. Provide: step-by-step instructions, optimization settings,
Create an emergency preparedness plan for [household type] in [geographic area]. Include: supply checklist,
Create a maintenance schedule for [vehicle year/make/model] with [mileage]. Include: service intervals, cost estimates,
Optimize energy efficiency for [home type] in [climate]. Include: immediate improvements, long-term upgrades, cost-benefit
Optimize the structure of my [book/long-form content] about [topic]. Include: logical flow, chapter organization,
Optimize my credit score from [current score] to [target score]. Include: improvement strategies, timeline,
Help me resolve conflict with [relationship type] about [conflict topic]. Include: perspective analysis, communication
Plan a difficult conversation about [topic] with [person/relationship]. Include: conversation structure, key points, emotional
Deliver constructive feedback about [specific issue] to [person/relationship]. Include: feedback structure, timing, delivery techniques,
Prepare me for salary negotiation for [role/promotion]. Include: market research approach, value proposition development,
Create a networking strategy for advancing in [industry/role]. Include: target connections, networking events, relationship
Prepare me for interviews for [target role]. Create: common questions with answers, STAR method
Develop my personal brand for [professional goals]. Include: unique value proposition, content strategy, thought
Prepare for my performance review in [role]. Help me: document achievements, quantify impact, identify
Create a mentorship strategy for [career goals]. Include: mentor identification criteria, relationship structure, conversation
Design a continuing education plan for staying current in [field/industry]. Include: certification priorities, course
Evaluate side hustle ideas that complement my [primary career]. Analyze: time requirements, income potential,
Assess my readiness for leadership roles in [industry/function]. Identify: leadership competency gaps, development opportunities,
Build career resilience strategies for [industry/economic conditions]. Include: skill diversification, network strengthening, financial planning,
Optimize my daily routine for [specific goals like productivity/health/family time]. Current routine: [describe current
Design an organization system for [specific area like closet/garage/office]. Include: decluttering strategy, storage solutions,
Create a budget tracking system for [income level/financial goals]. Include: expense categories, tracking methods,
Design a health tracking system for [specific health goals]. Include: daily habits to track,
Create a comprehensive moving checklist for [moving type/distance]. Include: timeline, task breakdown, service providers,
Organize my digital life including [devices/accounts/files]. Provide: folder structures, backup strategies, password management, and
Create a time blocking system for managing [work/personal commitments]. Include: priority identification, block scheduling,
Optimize privacy settings across my digital accounts: [list platforms/services]. Include: recommended settings, privacy trade-offs,
Train me to identify and avoid phishing attempts in [email/text/social media]. Include: red flags,
Assess and secure my home network setup: [current router/devices]. Provide: security configurations, firmware updates,
Audit my social media security across [platforms]. Include: privacy settings review, content exposure analysis,
Secure my mobile devices: [device types/operating systems]. Include: security settings, app permissions, backup strategies,
Design a comprehensive data backup strategy for [personal/business data]. Include: backup methods, storage locations,
Help me choose and configure a VPN for [specific needs/threat model]. Include: provider comparison,
Set up secure communication channels for [sensitive communications]. Include: encrypted messaging apps, email security,
Evaluate cyber insurance options for [individual/family/small business]. Include: coverage types, cost-benefit analysis, provider comparison,
Create a comprehensive outline for a nonfiction book about [topic/expertise]. Include: chapter breakdown, key
Develop a content strategy to establish authority in [field/industry]. Include: content pillars, publication platforms,
Design a research methodology for [nonfiction topic]. Include: source identification, fact-checking protocols, expert interview
Transform [experience/project] into a compelling case study. Include: story structure, key insights, lessons learned,
Plan expert interviews for [book/article topic]. Include: expert identification, question development, interview techniques, and
Build a platform to support my nonfiction writing on [topic]. Include: audience development, content
Establish fact-checking protocols for [type of nonfiction content]. Include: verification methods, source validation, error
Optimize reader engagement for [nonfiction content]. Include: storytelling techniques, example development, visual elements, and
Plan the publishing strategy for [book/content project]. Include: traditional vs self-publishing analysis, timeline, marketing
Repurpose [main content] into multiple formats. Create: article outlines, social media content, presentation slides,
Design a writing productivity system for [writing goals/schedule]. Include: writing routine, progress tracking, motivation
Position my unique expertise in [field] for maximum authority. Include: differentiator identification, credibility building,
Plan a collaborative writing project with [co-authors/contributors]. Include: role definition, workflow design, quality standards,
Design an investment portfolio for [age/income/goals]. Include: asset allocation, risk assessment, diversification strategy, and
Create a retirement plan for [current age/target retirement age]. Include: savings targets, investment strategy,
Create a debt elimination plan for [debt types/amounts]. Include: payoff strategies, consolidation options, interest
Build an emergency fund strategy for [income/expenses/family situation]. Include: target amount, savings timeline, account
Optimize my tax strategy for [income level/situation]. Include: deduction maximization, tax-advantaged accounts, timing strategies,
Analyze real estate investment opportunities in [market/property type]. Include: market analysis, financing options, cash
Assess my insurance needs for [life stage/assets]. Include: coverage types, amount calculations, provider comparison,
Plan college funding for [number] children. Include: cost projections, savings strategies, financial aid optimization,
Develop side income streams using [skills/interests/time availability]. Include: opportunity assessment, startup costs, time investment,
Coordinate estate planning for [assets/family situation]. Include: document needs, beneficiary planning, tax considerations, and
Create a tracking system for [financial goals]. Include: milestone definition, progress measurement, adjustment triggers,
Accelerate wealth building for [current situation/timeline]. Include: high-impact strategies, compound growth optimization, tax efficiency,
Develop stronger empathy skills for [specific relationship/situation]. Include: perspective-taking exercises, listening techniques, emotional recognition,
Develop emotional regulation strategies for [specific triggers/situations]. Include: recognition techniques, coping mechanisms, response alternatives,
Improve social skills for [specific contexts/goals]. Include: conversation techniques, body language awareness, social cues
Establish healthy boundaries in [relationship/situation type]. Include: boundary identification, communication methods, enforcement strategies, and
Improve active listening skills for [relationship/professional context]. Include: listening techniques, response strategies, attention management,
Communicate emotions effectively in [relationship/situation]. Include: emotion identification, expression techniques, timing strategies, and understanding
Repair damaged relationship with [person/relationship type]. Include: damage assessment, repair strategies, trust rebuilding, and
Improve team emotional dynamics for [team/work situation]. Include: team assessment, communication improvement, conflict prevention,
Manage stress responses in [challenging situations]. Include: stress identification, response strategies, recovery techniques, and
Navigate social anxiety in [specific situations]. Include: preparation strategies, coping techniques, confidence building, and
Build stronger relationships with [specific people/groups]. Include: connection strategies, trust building, mutual value creation,
Validate my business model for [business idea/industry]. Include: market research, customer validation, revenue model
Develop a marketing strategy for [business/product]. Include: target audience, channel selection, message development, and
Optimize customer acquisition for [business type]. Include: funnel analysis, conversion improvement, cost reduction, and
Research competitors for [business/industry]. Include: competitor identification, strength/weakness analysis, market positioning, and differentiation opportunities.
Design pricing strategy for [product/service]. Include: cost analysis, value-based pricing, competitive positioning, and testing
Audit business operations for [company/department]. Include: process analysis, bottleneck identification, automation opportunities, and efficiency
Optimize cash flow for [business type/situation]. Include: revenue acceleration, expense management, payment terms optimization,
Build effective team for [business stage/department]. Include: role definition, hiring strategy, culture development, and
Plan digital transformation for [traditional business/industry]. Include: technology assessment, process digitization, change management, and
Design growth experiments for [business/product]. Include: hypothesis development, testing methodology, metrics tracking, and scaling
Develop strategic partnerships for [business goals]. Include: partner identification, value proposition, partnership structure, and
Plan crisis management for [business type/potential risks]. Include: risk assessment, response protocols, communication strategy,
Design exit strategy for [business/investment timeline]. Include: valuation optimization, buyer identification, preparation timeline, and
Audit my recurring subscriptions and memberships. Help me: identify all subscriptions, evaluate usage value,
Audit my password security practices. Evaluate: current passwords strength, reuse patterns, storage methods, and
Create a comprehensive identity theft prevention plan. Include: monitoring strategies, protection tools, document security,
Protect my financial accounts from cyber threats. Include: security best practices, monitoring tools, fraud
Minimize my digital footprint and online exposure. Include: account inventory, data deletion requests, privacy
Create a credit and identity monitoring strategy. Include: free vs paid services, monitoring schedules,
Assess investment risk tolerance and capacity. Include: questionnaire development, scenario analysis, risk mitigation strategies,
Double-check your recommendations and flag any areas where you have uncertainty or where additional
Clearly indicate which parts of your response are based on general knowledge versus specific
What would the top 0.1% performer in [DOMAIN] think about this approach?
How would someone with 20+ years of elite experience in [FIELD] tackle this problem?
What principles do the most successful people in [INDUSTRY] never compromise on?
What sophisticated frameworks or models apply to this [SITUATION/CHALLENGE]?
What would the step-by-step implementation timeline look like over [TIME PERIOD]?
What proven strategies from similar situations in [INDUSTRY] should inform this solution?
Replace any general advice with specific, actionable recommendations tailored to [CONTEXT].
What would a consultant who charges $10,000 per hour recommend for this situation?
What strategies would industry leaders use that most people never consider?
What would separate a good solution from an exceptional one that only masters recognize?
Think like someone whose professional reputation depends on getting this exactly right.
Think through this step-by-step and show your complete reasoning process.
What are three levels of depth I should consider: surface, intermediate, and expert?
Break this down to first principles and build up systematically.
What nuances or subtleties am I likely to miss without expert guidance?
Go beyond obvious answers and reveal the non-intuitive insights.
Explain not just what to do, but the underlying principles that make it work.
What deeper patterns or trends should influence this decision?
Start with a one-sentence summary of your main recommendation, then provide detailed analysis.
Structure this as: Problem Analysis, Strategic Options, Recommended Solution, Implementation Plan.
Break this into immediate actions, short-term strategy, and long-term considerations.
Present this in order of: Highest Impact, Medium Impact, Foundation Building.
Use the format: Current State, Desired State, Gap Analysis, Bridge Strategy.
Organize around: Leadership Considerations, Team Impact, Resource Requirements, Timeline.
End with 5 specific actions I can implement within the next 24 hours.
What is the minimum viable version of this solution I could start with today?
Include specific tools, resources, and skills needed for successful execution.
How can I test this approach on a small scale before full implementation?
Include specific, measurable metrics to track progress and validate success.
What would make implementation 10x faster or more efficient?
How can I build initial momentum and maintain consistency throughout execution?
What assumptions am I making that could be fundamentally incorrect?
How might this situation look different from three distinct stakeholder perspectives?
What are the secondary and tertiary consequences I should anticipate?
What could go wrong with this approach and how can I mitigate those risks?
How would this strategy need to adapt under different constraints or conditions?
How does this solution address the root cause versus treating symptoms?
What evidence would prove or disprove the effectiveness of this approach?
How would someone from a completely different industry solve this problem?
What would this solution look like if I had unlimited resources and no constraints?
What is a completely unconventional approach that might work better than standard methods?
How could I combine successful elements from different fields or disciplines?
What analogies or metaphors from other domains might provide breakthrough insights?
How could emerging technologies or current trends transform this solution?
Consider this from the perspectives of: end users, decision makers, implementation teams, and external
How might this approach vary across different organizational cultures or market environments?
What would competitors do, and how can I create a differentiated approach?
If any part of my request is unclear, ask clarifying questions before proceeding with
Define any technical terms, frameworks, or concepts you reference in your response.
Identify any potential biases in your response and suggest ways to address them.
Flag any claims that should be independently verified before implementation or decision-making.
Ensure this response contains no sensitive, proprietary, or personally identifiable information.
What are the potential ethical implications or unintended consequences of implementing this approach?
Explicitly state the limitations of this analysis and areas where human expertise should validate
Consider how this solution might affect different stakeholder groups, including those who might be
What security or privacy considerations should I be aware of when implementing this approach?
Ensure this response is culturally sensitive and appropriate for diverse audiences and contexts.
What safeguards or monitoring should be in place when implementing this solution to ensure