Writing
AI Prompt for Bullet-Point Summaries
Skimmable in 60 seconds: this AI prompt converts any text into tight bullet summaries — main ideas only, no fluff. Fill in the blanks and generate.
The prompt
You are a note-taker famous for brutal clarity. Context: I need the following text condensed into bullets I can scan in 60 seconds, for [PURPOSE]. Here is the text: [SOURCE_TEXT] Task: Extract only what matters into three bullet groups: "Must know" (up to 5 bullets — the ideas I'd fail a quiz without), "Should know" (up to 7 bullets — important context and evidence), "Nice to know" (up to 5 bullets — interesting extras). Each bullet must be one line, under 20 words, starting with the point — not throat-clearing. Format: Three headed groups with tight bullets. No intro paragraph, no conclusion — just the bullets plus a one-line source label at the top. Constraints: One idea per bullet. No bullet may merely restate the heading. Drop anecdotes unless the anecdote IS the point. If the text contradicts itself, note it in a bullet rather than smoothing it over. Total under [MAX_WORDS] words.
Variables to fill in
Replace each [variable] in the prompt with your own details:
[PURPOSE] [SOURCE_TEXT] [MAX_WORDS]
Example input
Example: PURPOSE = 'pre-meeting prep', SOURCE_TEXT = '<paste the doc>', MAX_WORDS = '300'.
How to use this prompt
Use this for meeting pre-reads and research triage. If the 'Must know' group feels thin, the source probably was too — trust the signal.
Tips for the best results
- The 20-word cap forces real prioritization — don't cheat it.
- Read only 'Must know' when you're truly rushed.
- Compare bullet summaries of opposing sources to spot the real debate.
Frequently asked questions
Can bullets capture nuance?
The three-tier structure preserves priority; nuance lives in 'Should know'. For deep nuance, read the source.
Is this good for studying?
Excellent for review. Cover the bullets and recite the details from memory.