The SCALA method

A clearer brief.
A useful conversation.

Explain the situation, choose a perspective, name the task, set the language and invite useful questions.

Edit this example

Plan a week with competing priorities.

Here is one complete, editable example. The same five questions work with your own task.

Make the brief yours

Use details you are authorised to share. Your text is not sent to an AI provider here.

Situation

What does AI need to know?

I run a small business and have several competing priorities this week.

Consultant

Whose perspective would help?

Take the perspective of a practical business mentor.

Action

What do you want it to do?

Help me turn my priorities into a realistic plan for the week.

Language

How should it communicate?

Use plain English and a welcoming, jargon-free tone.

Ask

What should it ask you first?

First, ask me about my priorities, deadlines and available time.

Your assembled brief

SITUATION: I run a small business and have several competing priorities this week. CONSULTANT: Take the perspective of a practical business mentor. ACTION: Help me turn my priorities into a realistic plan for the week. LANGUAGE: Use plain English and a welcoming, jargon-free tone. ASK: First, ask me about my priorities, deadlines and available time.