Prompt Writing Techniques for August

Prompt Writing Techniques for August

Overview

To get the most accurate and useful output from August, you need clear and intentional prompts. A strong prompt combines a direct request, the right amount of context, and guidance on how you want the result formatted. This guide explains how to write effective prompts, how to refine them using the Improve Prompt button, and how to save and share prompts through the Prompt Library.

How Prompts Work in August

August works best when you give clear instructions in natural language. Treat August like a junior associate. Provide direction, context, and the purpose of your request so the output matches what you need.

A well written prompt includes three elements:

1. Request

What you want August to do.

Examples:

• Summarize the termination clause
• Extract key dates
• Draft an indemnity clause

2. Context

Information that helps August understand the task:

• Which documents you uploaded
• Who the audience is such as client, partner, or in house counsel
• What the purpose is such as a memo, redline, or plain English summary

3. Output Format

Tell August how the output should look.

Examples:

• Return as a table
• Use numbered bullet points
• Write as a memo
• Use a concise client friendly tone

How to Craft Your Prompt

Upload supporting documents first

When August has the actual documents you want analyzed, results are more accurate and grounded.

Avoid vague page references

Instead of saying see page 5, reference section headers or document names. Page numbers often shift during editing.

Be specific

Avoid broad instructions.

Instead of Summarize this agreement, try:

Summarize the termination, renewal, and liability cap provisions under Delaware law.

Break complex tasks into steps

If your request involves several actions such as extracting data, redlining, and identifying risks, break the task into smaller prompts or use a workflow.

Be conscious of output length

Instead of asking for a long or short output based on page count, ask for a detailed summary or a concise summary.

Crafting Multi Source or Multi Document Prompts

When working with multiple sources such as templates, statutes, and uploaded agreements, be clear about how August should use each source.

Provide instructions such as:

• Specify which source is primary
• State what takes priority if sources conflict
• Identify governing law or standards clearly

Example of an unclear prompt:

Compare the attached agreement with prior templates and law.

Clearer prompt:

Using the attached agreement and Template B, draft a redline under New York law. If a clause is missing from Template B, apply the statutory language provided in the attached New York materials.

Using the Improve Prompt Button

The Improve Prompt button helps you rewrite unclear or incomplete prompts. When you click it, August automatically restructures your request into a clearer version with the right level of detail and specificity.

Use this button when:

• Your prompt feels too broad
• You are not sure how to phrase your instructions
• You want a cleaner and more structured prompt before running a task

This tool is especially useful for new users or for high stakes prompts where clarity matters.

Prompt Libraries: Saving and Sharing Prompts

August includes a Prompt Library where you can save prompts for future use and share them with your team.

You can:

• Save any prompt you want to reuse
• Organize prompts by topic, matter type, or practice area
• Share prompts with teammates to standardize workflow
• Create collections of prompts for recurring tasks such as NDA reviews, clause summaries, or risk flagging

Prompt Libraries help the whole team work consistently and reduce time spent rewriting similar instructions.

Examples of Effective Prompt Patterns

Summarization

Summarize this contract focusing on obligations, termination rights, and liability caps.

Revision or Redline

Redline this agreement to be more favorable to the client under Delaware law using tracked changes style.

Extraction

Extract into a table: counterparty, effective date, term, renewal clause, termination rights, and liability cap.

Drafting

Draft a mutual NDA using this document set. Incorporate standard data protection language suitable for EU requirements.

Iterative Improvement

Rewrite this clause to be clearer, more concise, and consistent with the firm standard.

Why Good Prompting Matters

Strong prompts provide:

• More accurate and relevant responses
• Faster output with less cleanup
• Consistent quality across your work
• Reliable performance on large scale document tasks

Clear prompting is one of the most important skills for working effectively with August.