Working Framework · DOCX · Czech
Socratic Questioning Framework — DOCX
Additional questions, reflection card, and extended prompt framework.
How to uncover uncertainty with good questions
When a brief says "make it better", first clarify what needs to change. A few targeted questions help align on outcomes and pick the first step. This refinement process builds on Socratic questioning principles.
When to pause and ask questions
Use this process when goals are vague, inputs are missing, or team members interpret the expected outcome differently. All you need is the original request and existing context. The output will be a concrete task or explicit list of missing details to gather.
Start with what you already know
List confirmed facts separately from your own assumptions. Then select no more than three questions whose answers will determine the next step:
- What should change after completion, and for whom?
- How do we know that this specific issue is the real problem?
- What exactly should be produced, and how will we know it is done?
If there is a risk of overreaching, also ask: "What must remain untouched?" Adapt questions to the situation and avoid re-asking things already confirmed.
Example: turning a vague request into a task
Model scenario: A colleague says "Improve the website intro."
After asking questions: The intro is for new clients, services are described too vaguely, and they only want to update the headline and intro paragraph. We prepare this specification:
"Draft a new headline and introductory paragraph for the home page based on the attached service list. Clearly state what we offer and for whom. Leave all other page sections unchanged. Show both original and updated text. During review, we will check alignment with our service list and ask someone unfamiliar with the site to describe what they understand."
If the service list were missing, the immediate next step would be gathering it. Do not invent service details.
Try it with AI
Paste your brief and known context into the prompt framework. Remove personal and confidential data before pasting.
Help me refine the following request into a clear brief.
Briefly separate confirmed information from assumptions and uncertainties.
Ask no more than three targeted questions whose answers will determine the next step.
Do not re-ask questions that are already answered. Do not invent missing facts.
If you need answers, wait for them. Then propose one small task:
what should be produced, what must remain unchanged, and how we will review the result.
If the brief is already clear, summarize it directly into a task specification.
Do not execute the task itself yet.
MY BRIEF:
[Fill in brief]
KNOWN CONTEXT & CONSTRAINTS:
[Fill in context]
What to verify
- Does the refined task reflect what you actually need?
- Are unverified assumptions clearly marked?
- Is the expected output, scope, and review method explicit?
Once you have sufficient input for a small step, start working. If a critical answer is missing, identify who can provide it. Review any AI proposal before using it.
Next steps
Guide
From Client Chat to Clear Brief
Application guide when working with client communication.