For Those Who Can’t Ask “What Is AI?” Anymore (7)How to Write Effective AI Prompts: REX, TCREI, and DREAMS Frameworks Explained

Hello, this is TobiraAI, your neighborly guide in the world of generative AI.
Thank you for always reading my posts — take your time and relax here.

🎯 Goal of today:
Let’s actually write a prompt together.


🧭 What Is an AI Prompt?

A “prompt” is simply the instruction you give to a large language model (LLM) like ChatGPT, Gemini, or Canva.
Whenever you see a ✧ icon in Google — that’s Gemini, waiting for your command.
No matter which AI you use, prompts are the foundation of communication.

🔍 When You Don’t Need AI

If you’re just searching for recipes or facts, Google works better.
AI prompts shine when you need creativity, decision-making, or learning support — not mere information retrieval.


🧩 Types of Prompt Frameworks

There are many frameworks out there. Dr. Jules White of Vanderbilt University lists 16 types, but here we’ll focus on three practical ones:

  • REX: Simple and effective
  • TCREI: High-precision for business
  • DREAMS: For thoughtful decisions

1️⃣ REX — The Simple Foundation

REX = Role / Example / Expectation

This model, shared by Ruben Hassid (How to Prompt), is perfect for beginners.
You specify:

  • R (Role): Who should the AI act as
  • E (Example): A one-line situation
  • X (Expectation): Format, tone, and output rules

Example:

You are an experienced school PR editor. Write a 300-character announcement for next week’s cleaning volunteer event.

By combining REX properly, you can refine AI’s response with precision.


2️⃣ TCREI — The “5-Point Set” for Reliable Work

Taught in Google’s AI Essentials course, TCREI expands REX with five layers:
Task, Context, References, Evaluate, Iterate.

This framework is perfect for workplace use — it adds background, references, and evaluation criteria.
By writing clear personas for both writer and reader, you can achieve human-like quality.


3️⃣ DREAMS — For Major Decisions

Taught in Microsoft’s AI course, DREAMS helps structure complex thinking:
Define / Refine / Examine / Activate / Manage / Select.
It’s ideal for big decisions like career changes or purchases, where emotion and logic must balance.


🪄 Quick Comparison

  • Want fast and “good enough”? → REX
  • Need precision at work? → TCREI
  • Don’t want regrets? → DREAMS

💡 Final Tips

  • Write as if instructing a new graduate — be specific.
  • Add adjectives and context to improve results.
  • Avoid contradictions like “detailed yet concise.”
  • For tools like Canva, write in English (or ask ChatGPT to translate your prompt first).

✨ Conclusion

When I first touched ChatGPT in 2023, it was through Mr. Shinichi Shichiri’s free seminar.
It changed my workflow completely.
If you’re still unsure — don’t worry. Try attending a free seminar by Generative AI Research Institute (link below).
Seeing it in action is the best teacher.

👉 https://ex-pa.jp

Next time, I’ll introduce advanced prompting techniques.
If you enjoyed this, please give it a ❤️ or share your thoughts in the comments!