Learning · Problem: I need the key points from a long document
How do I get AI to summarise a long document accurately?
Tell AI why you need the summary and who will read it, then ask for a fixed structure: a short summary, key points, numbers, decisions and open questions. Instruct it to use only the document and to say when something is unclear. Always check any number or deadline against the original before you act on it.
When to use this
Reports, tenders, contracts, meeting transcripts, research papers or long email threads.
Copy this prompt
Build my own versionSummarise the attached document. Why I need it: [e.g. to brief my manager / to decide whether to bid] Who will read the summary: [audience] Give me: 1. A 2-sentence summary 2. The 5 most important points 3. All numbers, dates and deadlines, with the page or section they come from 4. Decisions or actions needed 5. Anything unclear, missing or risky Only use what is in the document. If you are unsure, say so. Do not guess.
Replace each [bracket] with your own details. Works in ChatGPT, Gemini, Claude, Copilot and Meta AI.
Example
What you type in
A 32-page government tender document for event management services.
What you can expect back (shortened)
Deadlines: submission closes 14 Oct, 12pm (section 2.1). Site visit is compulsory (section 2.4). Risk: penalty clause for late setup (section 9.3).
Common mistake
Trusting the summary without checking. AI can miss or mix up details in long documents, especially numbers.
Better follow-up prompt
List 5 questions I should ask the client based on this document.
Related problems
Want your team to work like this?
This prompt is one piece of a workflow Han Yong teaches in full. See HRD Corp AI training.