Communication Framework
The CO-STAR Framework
Context, Objective, Style, Tone, Audience, Response. A definitive prompt engineering technique best for highly sensitive communications and targeted, persuasive messaging.
Context (C)
What background information should the AI know?
Examples:
- •Our website traffic dropped 20% last month.
- •We are launching a new premium tier next week.
- •I need to prepare for my annual performance review.
Objective (O)
What is the main goal?
Examples:
- •To persuade the reader to sign up for our newsletter.
- •To explain the technical architecture of our app.
- •To apologize for a recent service outage.
Style (S)
What tone or style should be used?
Examples:
- •Use simple, jargon-free language.
- •Write in AP Style with active voice.
- •Use a conversational, blog-like style.
Tone (T)
What emotional tone should the response have?
Examples:
- •Empathetic and understanding.
- •Professional, authoritative, and direct.
- •Enthusiastic, energetic, and inspiring.
Audience (A)
Who is the intended audience?
Examples:
- •C-level executives looking for ROI.
- •First-time home buyers with no prior knowledge.
- •Software developers with 5+ years of React experience.
Response (R)
How should the response be formatted?
Examples:
- •A short 3-paragraph email ready to send.
- •A detailed step-by-step technical guide.
- •A bulleted list of 10 actionable tips.
Real-World CO-STAR Example
Isolating Style from Tone gives you incredible control over the AI's "voice".
[Context] We are rolling out a mandatory 2-factor authentication update to all employee accounts.
[Objective] Convince them to set it up before Friday without causing panic or frustration.
[Style] Concise, bulleted instructions, easy to read.
[Tone] Helpful, reassuring, and firm.
[Audience] Non-technical internal staff who are easily overwhelmed by IT changes.
[Response] A short Slack message (under 100 words).
[Objective] Convince them to set it up before Friday without causing panic or frustration.
[Style] Concise, bulleted instructions, easy to read.
[Tone] Helpful, reassuring, and firm.
[Audience] Non-technical internal staff who are easily overwhelmed by IT changes.
[Response] A short Slack message (under 100 words).