Create a Polished Email Template Skill for Office Communications
The topic
Google Gemini Rolls Out 'Skills' for Reusable Chat Shortcuts
Google has launched 'Skills' in the Gemini app, transitioning custom Gems into modular shortcuts that users can invoke directly inside ordinary chats using slash (/) commands. The feature allows people to save recurring instructions—such as proofreading rules, formatting templates, or teaching styles—and even combine several skills within a single query. This change makes everyday prompt personalisation much faster and more accessible for non-technical users without needing to manage separate custom chatbots.
Today's framework: APE — Action · Purpose · Expectation
Create a Polished Email Template Skill for Office Communications
You'll end up with a perfectly formatted professional email draft that turns your messy shorthand or rough thoughts into a polished message ready for your boss or colleagues.
The prompt
Action: Transform the rough, messy notes I provide into a professional, polite, and clear email ready for my manager, Sarah. Ensure the tone is proactive and collaborative while maintaining a concise length under 150 words.
Purpose: I often write quick notes while distracted; I need this 'Skill' to instantly turn my bullet points into a workplace-ready message that requires zero editing so I can hit send immediately.
Expectation: The email must include a clear subject line, a professional greeting, a logical flow of my points, and a specific call to action or closing. Avoid corporate jargon and keep the language friendly but focused.
Result: A fully drafted, ready-to-send professional email based on my shorthand notes.
How to use it
1.Copy the prompt and save it as a new 'Skill' in your Gemini app settings.
2.Start a new chat and type your rough notes about a project or update.
3.Trigger your new skill using the slash command (e.g., /EmailPolisher) to process your notes.
4.Copy the finished draft and paste it directly into your email app to send.
Things to watch for
·Always double-check that the AI hasn't hallucinated specific dates or names from your notes.
·Avoid putting sensitive company passwords or private HR data into the prompt.
·If the tone feels too formal, ask the AI to 'make it 20% more casual' in a follow-up.
Why this prompt works
This prompt uses the APE framework to ensure quality. The Action defines exactly what the AI must do (rewrite notes), the Purpose explains the specific persona (Sarah, the manager) to set the right tone, and the Expectation sets strict constraints like word count and professional flow. By defining these ahead of time as a 'Skill', you eliminate the need to repeat instructions every time you have a quick update to send.
Example AI response
Subject: Project Update: Q3 Deliverables and Next Steps
Hi Sarah,
I wanted to provide a quick update on the Q3 deliverables we discussed. I have finished the initial data analysis and the draft report is now ready for your preliminary review.
Everything is currently on track for our Friday deadline. Could you please let me know if you have ten minutes tomorrow afternoon to discuss the final formatting? I want to ensure we are aligned before I send it to the wider team.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Sample only — your AI's answer will be different. That's the fun part.
Try a variation
15-Minute Recipe Creator
Action: Create a healthy 15-minute weeknight dinner recipe using only the 3 random ingredients I list.
Purpose: To help a busy parent get a nutritious meal on the table for a family of four without needing a long grocery trip.
Expectation: The output must include a catchy recipe name, a short list of additional pantry staples needed, and numbered cooking steps that fit within a 15-minute window.
Result: A single, actionable one-page recipe card.
Social Media Post Summarizer
Action: Convert a long industry article or report into three engaging LinkedIn bullet points and one 'hook' sentence for my professional network.
Purpose: To maintain my online presence as a thought leader even when I am too busy to write long-form posts.
Expectation: The tone should be insightful and encouraging. Include two relevant hashtags at the bottom.
Result: A ready-to-post LinkedIn update.
Toddler Bedtime Story Generator
Action: Write a 2-minute bedtime story for my 4-year-old son, Leo, featuring his favorite toy truck and a lesson about sharing.
Purpose: To provide a unique, personalized story every night that keeps him engaged before sleep.
Expectation: Use simple words, lots of 'vroom' sound effects, and a happy, calming ending. Keep it under 300 words.
Result: A complete short story script for reading aloud.
Power tips
Mention your specific job title in the 'Purpose' section to get even better vocabulary.
Add 'use British English' or 'use American English' to the Expectations if you work in a global office.
If the email is for a client instead of a boss, just tell the AI 'Change recipient to Client' after the skill runs.
Try combining this skill with others by using multiple slash commands in one message.