The system prompt is your assistant's "DNA": it defines its personality, behavior and how it interacts with users. It is the most important element for obtaining quality responses.
What is the system prompt
The system prompt is a set of instructions that explain to the artificial intelligence:
- Who it is and what role it should play
- How it should behave with users
- What type of language to use
- What topics it can address
- How to handle specific situations
Example of effective prompt
"You are a customer support assistant for a software company. Your task is to help users solve technical problems and answer questions about products. Always be kind, professional and patient. If you don't know a specific answer, admit it honestly and suggest contacting human support. Use clear language and avoid overly technical terms."
Elements of a good prompt
- Clear identity: Define who the assistant is (customer support, product expert, etc.)
- Tone of voice: Specify whether it should be formal, friendly, professional
- Competencies: Indicate what it can and cannot handle
- Specific behaviors: How to handle off-topic questions or inappropriate requests
- Limitations: What it should not do or say
Tips for writing an effective prompt
- Be specific: The more details you provide, the better the behavior will be
- Use examples: Show the type of responses you expect
- Test and improve: The prompt can be modified and optimized over time
- Consider your audience: Adapt the language to your users
Common mistakes to avoid
- Too generic prompts ("Answer questions")
- Contradictory instructions
- Too many details that confuse the AI
- Not specifying the desired tone of voice