This article is part of our Slate AI series, each focused on a single, high-impact prompt—why it works, how to take it further, and how to make AI a partner in your process.

The prompt

💬 “Can you rewrite this text message to sound friendly, concise, and natural for students?”

At first glance, this looks like a simple copyediting question, but it’s really about strengthening one of the highest-value communication channels in enrollment: SMS.

• It’s high-leverage: texts have the highest open rate of any channel.

• It’s time-sensitive: many reminders and nudges need to be short and effective.

• It’s student-centered: tone, clarity, and brevity matter more than ever.

A single rewritten text can improve event attendance, reduce melt, speed up incomplete tasks, and strengthen counselor relationships.

Why it works

This prompt tells Slate AI exactly what matters in SMS communication and guides it toward the qualities students respond to best.

Here’s why it’s effective:

1. Clear Intent: By naming the desired tone, friendly, concise, and natural, the prompt signals that this isn’t a formal message or a mass notification. AI responds with human, student-friendly phrasing.

2. Built-In Constraints: Calling out that the message should be “concise” or “under 160 characters” triggers the model to avoid long sentences, filler words, and jargon. This aligns perfectly with mobile readability.

3. Audience Definition: Specifying students ensures the message reflects a voice students expect: warm, direct, and quick to read.

4. Action-Oriented Outcomes: By including “end with a clear CTA,” the prompt ensures the message informs and encourages a next step.

Together, these instructions help Slate AI produce text messages that feel personal, intentional, and appropriate for SMS.

What Slate AI might say

For a draft message like:

Dear Student, this is a reminder that Fall Preview Day is scheduled for 9:00 AM on Saturday. 

Please arrive 10 minutes early. Contact the admissions office with questions.

Slate AI might respond:

Quick reminder: Preview Day starts at 9am on Saturday! Plan to come a few minutes early. Text me if you have questions, happy to help.

Or:

We’re excited to see you Saturday! Preview Day starts at 9am. Arrive a bit early if you can. Text here if anything comes up.

You might also see AI:

• Cut unnecessary formality

• Replace “contact the admissions office” with a text-friendly CTA

• Simplify time/date information

• Remove repetition

• Add warmth without losing clarity

The message becomes shorter, more conversational, and more likely to get a response.

The power of a follow-up

A strong second prompt might be:

💬 “Can you give me three versions of this? One for students, one for parents, and one for counselors?”

This turns a single improved SMS into a multi-audience communication set. Slate AI may suggest:

• Student: Hey! Preview Day starts at 9am. Come a little early if you can. Text me here with any questions.

• Parent: Hello! A quick reminder that Preview Day begins at 9am. Your student can arrive a few minutes early. Reply here if you need details.

• Counselor: Preview Day starts at 9am. Students can check in a bit early. Text back if you need roster updates or attendance info.

Now you aren’t just improving one message, you’re building a communication strategy tailored to the people who matter.

Try reframing it

Small shifts can help AI produce variations that fit different goals:

💬 …to encourage students who haven’t confirmed attendance: Focuses on confirmation and removes assumptions.

💬 …and include a gentle reminder of why attending matters: Adds value-messaging around community, experience, or next steps.

💬 …adjusted for incomplete applicants who still need to submit materials: Turns it into a task-completion nudge.

💬 …and keep it supportive for students who might be nervous about visiting campus: Emphasizes reassurance and approachability.

Each reframe gives Slate AI a new angle, helping you generate a broader communication library with very little effort.

Prompt template

💬 “Can you rewrite this text message to be [tone] and fit within [constraint], ending with a clear CTA for [audience]?”

Examples:

Tone

• Friendly

• Encouraging

• Urgent-but-polite

• Warm and welcoming

Constraint

• Under 160 characters

• Mobile-friendly

• Written at a 7th-grade reading level

• No jargon

Audience

• Prospective students

• Parents/guardians

• Counselors

• Admitted students

• Incomplete applicants

Your turn

Try one of these prompts to strengthen your SMS strategy:

💬 “Can you make this text shorter and more personal without losing any important details?”

💬 “Can you rewrite this message so it sounds more encouraging for students who haven’t started their application?”

💬 “Can you draft an SMS reminder for an upcoming event that includes a friendly CTA?”

💬 “Can you create three text variations for yield-stage students who haven’t submitted housing forms?”

SMS communication works when it feels human. Slate AI can help you get there quickly, turning functional reminders into meaningful touchpoints that strengthen connection and drive action.