Better Prompt Design

Getting the most from AI chatbots

Author

Chester Beard
May 09, 2024

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News

OpenAI and Stack Overflow are coming together via OverflowAPI access to provide OpenAI users and customers with the accurate and vetted data foundation that AI tools need to quickly find a solution to a problem so that technologists can stay focused on priority tasks.

In Yelp’s most significant services product update to date, the company unveiled Yelp Assistant, a new conversational AI feature that will make it easier than ever for consumers to find and hire service professionals. The company also introduced the new Yelp Fusion AI API, which will bring Yelp’s trusted content to third-party platforms via natural language search, as well as a revamped Yelp Guest Manager experience that helps restaurants improve efficiency, seat more diners, and enhance guest experiences.

Language added to the terms of service for Azure OpenAI Service more clearly prohibits integrations with Azure OpenAI Service from being used “by or for” police departments for facial recognition in the U.S., including integrations with OpenAI’s current — and possibly future — image-analyzing models.

Research

A new study published on May 5th, 2024, introduces novel techniques to improve the efficiency and scalability of the retrieval component in RAG systems. The researchers propose a hierarchical retrieval approach that combines coarse-grained and fine-grained retrieval stages, significantly reducing the computational overhead while maintaining high accuracy.

Conversational agents (CAs) such as Alexa and Siri are designed to answer questions, offer suggestions -- and even display empathy.

Tools

Emma, create your own AI assistant.

Attio, build a CRM for your company with the help of AI.

Guidde, creating better SOPs, training guides, FAQs, and onboarding workflows with this AI tool.

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Prompt

"Create a skill enhancement plan for a [profession] focused on [specific skill or area, e.g., persuasive writing for copywriters]. Include daily exercises, feedback mechanisms, and integration of these skills into current projects."

Prompt for image: “An emotive close-up of six jars on a shelf, each distinctly labeled with a bold, vibrant emotion: 'Happy’ 'Creative’ Bored’ 'Excited’ 'Sad’ and 'Positive' The jars exude an otherworldly glow, contrasting with the dark grey background that creates an introspective atmosphere. A large sign at the bottom reads, "You are always in charge of your mood, so pick a good one," encouraging self-reflection and the power of choice in shaping one's emotional state. The image combines striking typography and a thought-provoking message to inspire introspection and empowerment”.

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Designing Better Prompts

Designing the best prompts involves a blend of clarity, detail, and iteration. Here are some tips to get you started:

Clarity and Specificity:

  • Define the Task: Be upfront about what you want the model to achieve. Is it writing a specific kind of content (poem, code, email), answering a question, or something else entirely?

  • Use Clear Instructions: Avoid ambiguity. Instead of "write something creative," instruct the model to "write a science fiction short story with a surprise ending."

Context is King:

  • Provide Background Information: Especially for complex tasks, give the model relevant details about the situation. This helps it understand the scenario and generate a more fitting response.

  • Include Examples: If you have a preferred style or format, include examples to guide the model. This could be snippets of text or previous interactions.

Refine and Iterate:

  • Don't Be Afraid to Experiment: Try different phrasings, keywords, and levels of detail to see what works best. The more you experiment, the better you'll understand the model's capabilities.

  • Learn from Each Response: Analyze the model's output and use it to refine your prompts. If the response is off target, identify what aspect of the prompt needs adjusting.

Additional Tips:

  • Consider Your Audience: Tailor the prompt's complexity to the intended user. Beginners might need more explanation, while experts can handle advanced concepts.

  • Start Simple: Break down complex tasks into smaller, clearer prompts. This can help the model understand the overall goal better.

Remember, prompt design is an ongoing process. As you experiment and learn from the model's responses, you'll become more skilled at crafting prompts that get you the desired outcome.

Going beyond the basics of AI prompt design.

Fine-tuning with Parameters:

  • Temperature: This controls the randomness of the model's output. A higher temperature leads to more creative but potentially nonsensical responses, while a lower temperature generates safer but potentially repetitive text.

  • Max Tokens: This sets a limit on the number of words the model can generate in its response. This helps control the length and focus of the output.

Advanced Prompt Techniques:

  • Chain Prompts: Break down complex tasks into a series of smaller prompts. This can guide the model step-by-step towards the final goal.

  • Few-Shot Learning: Provide the model with a few examples of the desired format or style. This helps it understand the pattern you're looking for in the output.

  • Zero-Shot vs. Few-Shot: For simpler tasks, a clear instruction might be enough (zero-shot). For more complex tasks, providing examples can significantly improve results (few-shot).

Addressing Challenges:

  • Bias: Language models can reflect the biases present in their training data. Be mindful of how your prompts might influence the output and try to mitigate bias by providing balanced examples.

  • Safety: It's important to consider the potential safety implications of your prompts. Avoid prompts that could generate harmful or offensive content.

Resources for Further Exploration:

Remember, the best way to master prompt design is through practice. Experiment with different techniques, analyze the model's responses, and keep refining your prompts for optimal results.