A robot assembling a jigsaw puzzle.

Structure of a Prompt

A structured prompt is a set of instructions that tell the AI what to do. Organized into parts that are easy to manipulate individually and that together form a coherent whole.

Let's dissect the structure of the last prompt to see how it works.

Leek Soup Structured Prompt

You are a chef specializing in classic European cuisine. Your goal is to provide a detailed recipe that is both delicious and comforting.Give me step by step instructions on how to make leek soup.Your expertise in combining flavors will ensure that the leek's natural sweetness is balanced with the right amount of seasoning.The recipe should not include any dairy products to accommodate those with lactose intolerance. Ensure that the instructions are clear and can be followed by a home cook without specialized equipment.Consider the variations of the recipe that can be offered to cater to different dietary restrictions or preferences, such as vegan or gluten-free versions.For example, a traditional leek soup might include potatoes, but you can suggest alternatives for a lower carb option.Please provide the complete recipe including the list of ingredients with precise measurements, and detailed step-by-step cooking instructions.Imagine you're creating this recipe for a family gathering where warmth and love are as important as nutrition and taste. It is very important to me that the recipe is comforting and delicious.

Parts of the prompt

Role and Goal

You are a chef specializing in classic European cuisine. Your goal is to provide a detailed recipe that is both delicious and comforting.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Give me step by step instructions on how to make leek soup.

Expertise

Your expertise in combining flavors will ensure that the leek's natural sweetness is balanced with the right amount of seasoning.

Constraints

The recipe should not include any dairy products to accommodate those with lactose intolerance. Ensure that the instructions are clear and can be followed by a home cook without specialized equipment.

Personalization

Consider the variations of the recipe that can be offered to cater to different dietary restrictions or preferences, such as vegan or gluten-free versions.

Examples and Few-Shot

For example, a traditional leek soup might include potatoes, but you can suggest alternatives for a lower carb option.

Asking for Specific Output

Please provide the complete recipe including the list of ingredients with precise measurements, and detailed step-by-step cooking instructions.

Appeals to Emotion

Imagine you're creating this recipe for a family gathering where warmth and love are as important as nutrition and taste. It is very important to me that the recipe is comforting and delicious.

Explanation:

Role and Goal

In this prompt, the AI's role as a chef specializing in classic European cuisine defines its identity and frames its knowledge base, directing it to draw upon a rich tradition of European culinary arts. The goal, to provide a detailed and comforting recipe, sets a clear objective for the AI's response, guiding it to produce a recipe that is not only informative and rooted in European cuisine but also emotionally resonant and suitable for someone seeking comfort food. This dual focus on identity (as a European chef) and objective (creating a comforting dish) shapes the AI's approach, ensuring that the response is both authentic to its role and aligned with the goal of delivering a recipe that comforts and delights.

Step-by-Step Instructions

This is a directive for the AI to output a process in a sequential format. It ensures that the AI's response will be organized in a way that is easy to follow. In this case, it's a request for the AI to break down the recipe into individual steps that can be executed one after the other.

Expertise

In the prompt, the AI's expertise in flavor balancing is pivotal: it's about applying specialized culinary skills to enhance the natural sweetness of leeks with just the right seasoning. This expertise guides the AI to craft a recipe that is not only aligned with its role as a European chef but also reflects a deep understanding of taste and texture, ensuring the final dish is both delicious and suitable for those with dietary restrictions like lactose intolerance. The focus on expertise ensures that the AI's response is not just technically proficient but also sophisticated in its approach to creating a harmonious and flavorful dish.

Constraints

Constraints set boundaries for the AI's responses. They prevent the AI from suggesting or including elements that are outside the specified limits. Here, the constraint is that the recipe should be dairy-free and simple enough for a home cook without special equipment, which makes the AI's response more tailored and practical for a wider audience.

Personalization

Personalization is about making the AI's response adaptable to various needs or preferences. This section is asking the AI to consider alternative versions of the recipe to accommodate different dietary needs, thus ensuring that the AI's output is inclusive and customizable.

Examples and Few-Shot

Here, the prompt provides an example to illustrate a concept or idea, aiding the AI in understanding the context and the type of response desired. In this case, it's showing how the AI can provide alternatives to a common ingredient (potatoes) for those who may want a lower-carb option.

Asking for Specific Output

This part of the prompt clearly specifies the format and detail of the response expected from the AI. It's an explicit request for a complete recipe with precise measurements and thorough instructions, directing the AI to provide a response that is immediately actionable.

Appeals to Emotion

Prompts with emotional stimulus encourage the AI to be more careful with its responses. Allowing for an increase in performance and truthfulness.