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2.6 Writing Effective Translation Prompts

Write better AI prompt instructions for tone, rhythm, subtext, and stage intent.

What this field is for

In AI Translate (Beta), the large text box near the top of the dialog is labeled Optional style prompt.

Use it to tell the translator how the output should sound. Do not use it to describe buttons, deployment, or show control.

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AI Translate modal with Optional style prompt near the top of the dialog

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Figure 2.6.1: The Optional style prompt field in AI Translate.

Where to find it

  1. Open the editor.
  2. Click AI Translate in the top toolbar center area.
  3. In the modal, look under Style & Preview.
  4. The prompt box sits above the Preview style prompt button.

Write short instructions

  • State the tone: formal, natural, clipped, poetic, comic.
  • State the reading goal: concise, readable, timing-friendly.
  • State what to avoid: literal calques, footnotes, explanations.

Good default: Natural spoken dialogue for live surtitles. Keep lines concise and readable. Preserve register and humor. Avoid explanations.

Preview before you run the job

  1. Enter the prompt.
  2. Choose a sample line with Longest line, Random line, or the sequence picker.
  3. Click Preview style prompt.
  4. Read the preview result before you start the full translation.

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AI Translate modal sample line area with Longest line, Random line, and Preview style prompt

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Figure 2.6.2: Test the prompt on one sample line first.

What to check in the preview

  • Does the line sound like stage language, not reference prose?
  • Is it short enough to read quickly?
  • Did the voice become too flat, too formal, or too literal?

Three prompt patterns that work well

Natural dialogue

Natural spoken dialogue for live surtitles. Keep lines concise and easy to read. Preserve tone and interruptions.

Formal or elevated text

Keep an elevated tone. Preserve formality and metaphor. Avoid casual phrasing. Keep the result readable on screen.

Comedy

Prioritize timing and punchlines. Keep lines short. Prefer idiomatic humor over literal wording when needed.

Avoid these mistakes

  • Do not paste a long essay into the prompt box.
  • Do not ask for two opposite styles in one prompt.
  • Do not skip the preview if timing and tone matter.

FAQ

Common questions for this workflow, based on the current SurtitleLive system.

Can AI replace human review for stage work?+

No. AI can accelerate the draft, but final theatrical review is still important for timing, subtext, and readability on stage.

Do I need a custom prompt every time?+

No. A prompt is most valuable when tone, rhythm, or staging intent matters and the default translation would be too generic.

Deployment Workflow

Continue In This Workflow

Script preparation, translation workflow, live deployment, operator control, and runtime troubleshooting.

Next in Deployment: 2.7 Exporting Your ScriptBrowse more deployment docs

2.7 Exporting Your Script

Export scripts to Excel or PowerPoint and choose the right format for your workflow.

2.8 Backing Up Your Project

Create local backups with exports and understand what SurtitleLive already saves automatically.

2.9 Restoring Your Project

Restore from original DOCX files or SurtitleLive-generated XLSX backups through Excel Restore (Test); general XLSX/PPTX import is not supported.