Unlocking AI Conversations: Prompt Frameworks (Including My New C-A-T 🐾)

Sep 6 / Victoria Emerson
If you’ve been following AI conversations for a while, you’ll know there’s been a lot of debate around prompt engineering. Some people dismiss it as a gimmick, while others swear by it.

But here’s the thing: regulated qualifications in the UK, like the new Data Technician standard from Skills England, now explicitly include prompt engineering. That’s right, it’s no longer a fad. It’s officially a recognised skill. And I couldn’t be happier, because this is the moment where a lot of critics realise: if you can’t guide AI properly, you won’t get the results you need.

So how do we make prompting clear, simple, and repeatable? The answer: prompt frameworks.

What are Prompt Frameworks

Think of them like recipe cards for AI. 🍳

Instead of throwing random words into ChatGPT or other generative tools, and hoping for the best, frameworks give you structure.

They’re easy to remember, and they help you consistently get the outcome you want.

The Classic Frameworks You Should Know 🤔

Here are five popular ones I use (and now teach):

  • R-T-F (Role – Task – Format)
    “Act as a data analyst → Summarise this spreadsheet into three insights → Present in bullet points.”


  • T-A-G (Task – Action – Goal
    “Assess team performance → Provide feedback → Improve satisfaction scores.”


  • B-A-B (Before – After – Bridge)
    “We’re not ranking on Google → We want to be top-10 → Give us a strategy to get there.”


  • C-A-R-E (Context – Action – Result – Example
    “Sustainable clothing launch → Create campaign messaging → Raise awareness → Like Patagonia’s famous ‘Don’t Buy This Jacket.’”


  • R-I-S-E (Role – Input – Steps – Expectation)
    “You’re a content strategist → Use audience data → Draft step-by-step plan → Increase traffic by 40%.”

And ... Introducing My Own Framework: C-A-T 🐾

I couldn’t resist adding my own to the mix, and it’s short, memorable, and purr-fect for beginners.

C-A-T = Context – Action – Tone

  • Context: Give background so the AI knows what’s going on.
  • Action: State exactly what you want it to do.
  • Tone: Define the style, vibe, or persona you want.

👉 Example:

Context: This is a newsletter about digital skills for beginners.
Action: Write a short intro paragraph.
Tone: Friendly, approachable, with emojis.

It’s simple. It’s playful. And it works, I promise ❤️

Why This Matters 💡

  • Frameworks cut through the noise — no more vague, messy prompts
  • They make your AI conversations repeatable and reliable.
  • They’re now officially part of professional qualifications, so learning them isn’t optional anymore.

Prompting is a skill for the future, and it’s about being able to collaborate with AI effectively.

What's Next?

This blog is part of my new Prompt of the Week series, where I’ll share practical prompts (sometimes using these frameworks, sometimes breaking the rules 😉).

👉 Keep an eye out for weekly prompts, and try them for yourself. You’ll be amazed at how much more you can unlock from generative AI with just a little structure.

Be Bold. Be Brave. Be Brilliant.

— Vicky ✨❤️
Infographic - Understand Your Framework by Victoria Emerson