Prompt Chaining for Complex Workflows

Some tasks are too complex for a single prompt. Prompt chaining breaks them into sequential steps, where each output becomes input for the next.

When to Use Chaining

Single Prompt Works	Use Chaining Instead
Simple, focused task	Multi-step process
Clear, direct output	Output requires transformation
Under 500 words output	Long documents or analyses
One type of thinking	Multiple types of reasoning

Basic Chaining Structure

┌─────────────┐
│  Prompt 1   │ Generate raw material
└──────┬──────┘
       ▼
┌─────────────┐
│  Prompt 2   │ Refine or transform
└──────┬──────┘
       ▼
┌─────────────┐
│  Prompt 3   │ Format and finalize
└─────────────┘

Chaining Patterns

Pattern 1: Generate → Critique → Improve

Step 1: Generate

Write a first draft of [CONTENT] about [TOPIC].
Include: [KEY POINTS]

Step 2: Critique

Review this draft and identify:
1. Weak arguments or unsupported claims
2. Unclear sections
3. Missing information
4. Tone inconsistencies

[PASTE DRAFT]

Step 3: Improve

Rewrite this draft addressing these issues:
[PASTE CRITIQUE]

Original draft:
[PASTE DRAFT]

Pattern 2: Research → Outline → Write

Step 1: Research/Brainstorm

List the 10 most important points to cover in an article about [TOPIC] for [AUDIENCE].

For each point, note:
- Why it matters
- Common misconceptions
- What makes it actionable

Step 2: Create Outline

Using these points, create a detailed outline:

[PASTE POINTS]

Structure:
- Opening hook
- 4-5 main sections
- Key takeaways
- Call to action

Ensure logical flow from section to section.

Step 3: Write

Using this outline, write the full article:

[PASTE OUTLINE]

Style: [TONE AND VOICE]
Length: [WORD COUNT]

Step 1: Analyze

Analyze this [DATA/DOCUMENT/SITUATION]:

[PASTE CONTENT]

Identify:
- Key themes and patterns
- Strengths and weaknesses
- Anomalies or concerns
- Important details

Step 2: Summarize

Based on this analysis, create a summary:

[PASTE ANALYSIS]

Format: Executive summary style
Length: 200 words
Focus: Most actionable insights

Step 3: Recommend

Based on this summary:

[PASTE SUMMARY]

Provide 3-5 specific recommendations:
- What to do
- Why it matters
- Expected outcome
- Priority level

Pattern 4: Extract → Transform → Apply

Step 1: Extract

Extract all [SPECIFIC ELEMENTS] from this [SOURCE]:

[PASTE SOURCE]

Return as a structured list.

Step 2: Transform

Transform these extracted elements:

[PASTE EXTRACTED LIST]

For each item:
- Rewrite for [NEW CONTEXT]
- Adapt language for [AUDIENCE]
- Add [ADDITIONAL ELEMENT]

Step 3: Apply

Using these transformed elements, create:

[PASTE TRANSFORMED LIST]

Final format: [SPECIFY OUTPUT TYPE]

Real Business Example: Blog Post Chain

Scenario: Creating a thought leadership article

Chain Step 1: Topic Exploration

I want to write about [BROAD TOPIC] for [AUDIENCE].
Generate 5 specific angles that would be:
- Unique (not the obvious take)
- Timely (relevant to current trends)
- Actionable (readers can apply it)

For each angle, provide a one-sentence hook.

Chain Step 2: Angle Selection and Outline

I'll use angle #[X]: "[SELECTED ANGLE]"

Create a detailed outline with:
- Attention-grabbing opening (2 options)
- 4 main sections with 2-3 sub-points each
- Data/examples needed for each section (placeholders OK)
- Closing that ties back to opening

Chain Step 3: Section Writing

Write Section 1 of this outline:

[PASTE OUTLINE]

Style: [VOICE/TONE GUIDE]
Include: One specific example or data point
Length: 200-250 words

Repeat for each section

Chain Step 4: Assembly and Polish

Here's the complete draft:

[PASTE ALL SECTIONS]

Please:
1. Add smooth transitions between sections
2. Ensure consistent voice throughout
3. Strengthen the opening hook
4. Create a compelling closing paragraph
5. Suggest a headline (3 options)

Chaining Tips

Use Explicit Handoffs

Be clear about what you're passing between steps:

Using the output from our previous analysis:

[PASTE PREVIOUS OUTPUT]

Now let's...

Save Intermediate Outputs

Keep each step's output — you may need to go back and adjust.

Know When to Branch

Sometimes Step 2 reveals you need a different Step 1:

Actually, let's step back. Based on what we learned,
let's re-approach the original question by...

Maintain Context

In long chains, remind AI of the overall goal:

Remember, our goal is to create [FINAL OUTPUT] for [AUDIENCE].
This step should...

When NOT to Chain

Simple tasks that work in one prompt
When you need speed over quality
When steps don't logically build on each other
When you can achieve the same result with a well-structured single prompt

Prompt chaining produces higher-quality results for complex tasks by breaking them into focused steps. Each prompt does one thing well, and the chain combines their outputs. Think of it as an assembly line for ideas — each station adds value to the previous one's work.

Next: Learn how to build and maintain a prompt library. :::