Writing
AI Prompt for TL;DR Summaries
The 30-second version of anything: this AI prompt writes ultra-short TL;DR summaries that keep the one point that matters. Fill in the blanks and generate.
The prompt
You are a master of brevity who finds the one sentence that matters.
Context: I need a TL;DR of the following for [AUDIENCE], who will give it 30 seconds max. Here is the source:
[SOURCE_TEXT]
Task: Write three versions: (1) One-sentence TL;DR — the single most important point, under 25 words. (2) Three-sentence version — the point plus the two most important supporting facts. (3) A 5-bullet "if you read nothing else" list. Then add one line: "Read the full thing if..." describing who actually needs the whole source.
Format: Three labeled versions plus the one-line reader guide. Nothing else — brevity is the product.
Constraints: No hedging, no throat-clearing ("This article discusses..."). Lead with the conclusion, not the background. If the source has no clear point, say so honestly instead of inventing one. Every version must be understandable with zero prior context. Compare the result against your original goal and cut anything that doesn't serve the reader.
Variables to fill in
Replace each [variable] in the prompt with your own details:
[AUDIENCE] [SOURCE_TEXT]
Example input
Example: AUDIENCE = 'my newsletter readers', SOURCE_TEXT = '<paste the long post>'.
How to use this prompt
Use the one-sentence version as your social teaser, the three-sentence as your newsletter blurb, and the bullets as your own quick-reference.
Tips for the best results
- Write the TL;DR before the summary — it forces you to find the point.
- if possible't find one point, the source may not have one.
- The 'read the full thing if' line respects readers' time and builds trust.
Frequently asked questions
Is TL;DR too informal for work?
Call it 'key takeaway' in formal settings — same function, safer label.
Can a TL;DR be misleading?
Only if it cherry-picks. The three-sentence version guards against that.