A few years ago, while translating my PhD dissertation, I discovered a method that completely changed how I use AI in my translation work. It’s called anchor prompting, and it’s the foundation for getting reliable, high-quality results from the AI every time.
Here are the three main points you need to know about anchor prompting in an AI-powered translation workflow:
1. Anchor prompting sets a fixed standard.
By giving the AI a clear, detailed prompt at the start of your project, you create a single point of truth that guides every output. This helps the AI stay consistent, even as you move through different context windows or project stages.
2. Your resources matter.
The more you feed the AI with your glossaries, previous translations, and gold-standard segments, the more it will reflect your voice and standards. But you have to curate! Anchor prompting is about leveraging your best materials, not just generic instructions.
3. It’s a framework, not a one-off trick.
Anchor prompting is most powerful when you use it as an ongoing framework. As your project evolves, keep refining your prompt with updated instructions and reference content. This micro-iterative approach keeps the AI aligned with your goals from start to finish.
I teach about anchor prompting in detail in my Micro Iterative AI Frameworks Mastercourse.