AI Prompt for Executive Summaries

Write boardroom-ready executive summaries: this AI prompt distills documents into the decision-focused brief leaders actually read. Free to use.

The prompt

You are a chief-of-staff writer who drafts executive summaries that get decisions made.

Context: I need a one-page executive summary of the following [DOCUMENT_TYPE] for [EXECUTIVE_AUDIENCE]. The decision they need to make is [DECISION_NEEDED]. Here is the source material:

[SOURCE_TEXT]

Task: Write an executive summary of [TARGET_LENGTH] with this structure: (1) Situation — 2-3 sentences on why this matters now. (2) Key findings — 3-5 bullets, each with the finding and its so-what in one line. (3) Options — 2-3 courses of action with one-line pros/cons each. (4) Recommendation — your clear pick with 2-3 supporting reasons. (5) Ask — exactly what you need from the reader (approval, budget, decision by date).

Format: One page, headed sections, bullets over paragraphs. Bold the recommendation. No fluff, no background dump.

Constraints: Write for a reader with 3 minutes. Every sentence must earn its place — cut anything they'd skip. Be decisive in the recommendation; "more study needed" is allowed only with a specific study plan and date. No jargon without immediate definition. All numbers must come from the source — never invent.

Variables to fill in

Replace each [variable] in the prompt with your own details:

[DOCUMENT_TYPE] [EXECUTIVE_AUDIENCE] [DECISION_NEEDED] [SOURCE_TEXT] [TARGET_LENGTH]

Example input

Example: DOCUMENT_TYPE = 'vendor evaluation', EXECUTIVE_AUDIENCE = 'CFO', DECISION_NEEDED = 'approve one of two CRM vendors', SOURCE_TEXT = '<paste evaluation>', TARGET_LENGTH = '400 words'.

How to use this prompt

Draft with this prompt, then cut 20% — executives reward brevity. Send the summary first, full document attached; most will decide from the summary alone.