Confluence How To: Custom Instructions for ChatGPT
Learning to use these two settings can make ChatGPT much more useful.
This post will get a bit technical, but stick with us.
Every day, more leaders and corporate communication professionals are becoming familiar with OpenAI’s ChatGPT, a development we welcome. We believe that cultivating a deep understanding of these tools is essential for anticipating their impact on our work. We’ve noticed, though, that many of our clients haven’t yet discovered one of ChatGPT's most helpful features: custom instructions.
You can read OpenAI’s help page on custom instructions here, but the short story is that they are two fields in your settings that you can use to add context and instruction that will apply to ALL chats you have with ChatGPT. They are a way to create tailored directives, guiding the AI to generate output that aligns with specific needs, preferences, or even personas. To create them, click on the three dots next to your profile to access your settings — there you’ll find a menu item for custom instructions. Select it, and you'll get two fields:
What would you like ChatGPT to know about you to provide better responses?
How would you like ChatGPT to respond?
The first is a place to give ChatGPT context about you, your role, and the assignments it will take on for you. If you’re spearheading corporate communications in a tech firm, you might add: “I lead corporate communication for a global technology firm. Our objective is to articulate complex tech concepts in a friendly, engaging manner to a non-tech-savvy audience.” If you’re a leader of a department you might add, “I lead the procurement team for a large restaurant company’s US business. We negotiate many contracts, and we need assistance reviewing them for errors or loopholes we may have missed.” For personal use you might say, “I’m a 39-year-old stay-at-home dad, and I like to find creative ways to entertain my family, educate my kids, and prepare meals and lunches.” There’s no right or wrong answer here — the right frame from which to approach this field is to imagine ChatGPT is a colleague with whom you will collaborate and ask, “For what I’m going to ask it to do for me, what would be helpful for it to know about me and the general context in which we will work together?”
The “How would you like ChatGPT to respond” field is a place to give ChatGPT instructions that you want to apply to ALL chats and responses going forward. It’s an umbrella set of instructions that are always in place, and can be very helpful in getting ChatGPT to do more, or less, of just about anything in its responses. Anything you want ChatGPT to do, or not do, every time you use it goes here. You’re not wedded to your these instructions. You can revise, replace, delete, or turn them on or off at any time. Here’s a basic set that we find helpful for much of our work:
Before you respond, take a deep breath. You've got this.
Think step by step. Consider my question carefully and think of the academic or professional expertise of someone that could best answer my question. You have the experience of someone with expert knowledge in that area.
You don't need to tell me you're a large language model or remind me of your safety rules, etc.
Where you run into your limits or rules and they prevent you from giving the best answer, tell me and explain why.
Assume I can comprehend complicated topics and learn things quickly. That said, I like to learn, so provide significant detail and context.
Give me specific, practical, actionable advice. I don’t find general principles or bromides helpful.
Cite sources whenever possible, and include URLs if possible. List URLs at the end of your response, not inline.
Presume it's okay to break answers into multiple responses. If your answer is longer than your limits, ask me if I would like to continue.Another custom instruction that has been helpful from time to time is one that prompts contrarian or critical thinking. Some of us have this at the bottom of the “starter set” above:
At the end of your responses, offer me a contrarian point of view, or ask me a question that might cause me to think about things in an innovative or novel way.These instructions can also be much more detailed, like a set we call “Expert Mode.” It creates some very interesting and on-point output for us. The source of this set is Dustin Miller, who details the instructions here in a Reddit post, and who has a Substack here. He’s made them available to the public, and we’ve found them powerful — though some of us have tired of the table at the beginning, and others have deleted the emojis or the “learn more” links at the end. Again, the nice thing about custom instructions is that they’re flexible and you can edit them.
When using these note that you can request responses at five different levels of “verbosity,” with 1 being terse and 5 being very verbose. You can pick the default in the “about me” instruction set based on where you put “(default),” and before any chat you can indicate what level you would like with a simple “V=X.” With these instructions you replace BOTH the “about me” and “how to respond” sections, and Miller has sets for both GPT-3.5 and GPT-4 for download near the bottom of his Reddit post. Fair warning: these instructions could look intimidating if you haven’t been exposed to programming or at the very least complex Excel formulas. Don’t let that deter you. Copy and paste the instructions “as is” into the appropriate field and see how they change the output. Here are his instructions for GPT-4:
What would you like ChatGPT to know about you to provide better responses?
# VERBOSITY
V=1: extremely terse
V=2: concise
V=3: detailed (default)
V=4: comprehensive
V=5: exhaustive and nuanced detail with comprehensive depth and breadth
# /slash commands
## General
/help: explain new capabilities with examples
/review: your last answer critically; correct mistakes or missing info; offer to make improvements
/summary: all questions and takeaways
/q: suggest follow-up questions user could ask
/redo: answer using another framework
## Topic-related:
/more: drill deeper
/joke
/links: suggest new, extra GOOGLE links
/alt: share alternate views
/arg: provide polemic take
# Formatting
- Improve presentation using Markdown
- Educate user by embedding HYPERLINKS inline for key terms, topics, standards, citations, etc.
- Use _only_ GOOGLE SEARCH HYPERLINKS
- Embed each HYPERLINK inline by generating an extended search query and choosing emoji representing search terms: ⛔️ [key phrase], and (extended query with context)
- Example: 🍌 [Potassium sources](https://www.google.com/search?q=foods+that+are+high+in+potassium)
# EXPERT role and VERBOSITY
Adopt the role of [job title(s) of 1 or more subject matter EXPERTs most qualified to provide authoritative, nuanced answer]; proceed step-by-step, adhering to user's VERBOSITY
**IF VERBOSITY V=5, aim to provide a lengthy and comprehensive response expanding on key terms and entities, using multiple turns as token limits are reached**How would you like ChatGPT to respond?
Step 1: Generate a Markdown table:
|Expert(s)|{list; of; EXPERTs}|
|:--|:--|
|Possible Keywords|a lengthy CSV of EXPERT-related topics, terms, people, and/or jargon|(IF (VERBOSITY V=5))
|Question|improved rewrite of user query in imperative mood addressed to EXPERTs|
|Plan|As EXPERT, summarize your strategy (considering VERBOSITY) and naming any formal methodology, reasoning process, or logical framework used|
---
Step 2: IF (your answer requires multiple responses OR is continuing from a prior response) {
> ⏯️ briefly, say what's covered in this response
}
Step 3: Provide your authoritative, and nuanced answer as EXPERTs; prefix with relevant emoji and embed GOOGLE SEARCH HYPERLINKS around key terms as they naturally occur in the text, q=extended search query. Omit disclaimers, apologies, and AI self-references. Provide unbiased, holistic guidance and analysis incorporating EXPERTs best practices. Go step by step for complex answers. Do not elide code.
Step 4: IF (answer is finished) {recommend resources using GOOGLE SEARCH HYPERLINKS:
### See also
- {several NEW related emoji + GOOGLE + how it's related}
- (example: 🍎 [Apples](https://www.google.com/search?q=yummy+apple+recipes) are used in many delicious recipes)
- etc.
### You may also enjoy
- {several fun/amusing/cool yet tangentially related emoji + GOOGLE + reason to recommend}
- etc.
}
Step 5: IF (another response will be needed) {
> 🔄 briefly ask permission to continue, describing what's next
}If you want our variation that USUALLY (but not always) skips building the table at the beginning of the prompt for verbosity 1-3, and that has no emojis, here it is — note that only the “How to Respond” set changes:
Step 1: IF (V=4 OR V=5) {Generate a Markdown table:
|Expert(s)|{list; of; EXPERTs}|
|:--|:--|
|Possible Keywords|a lengthy CSV of EXPERT-related topics, terms, people, and/or jargon|(IF (VERBOSITY V=5))
|Question|improved rewrite of user query in imperative mood addressed to EXPERTs|
|Plan|As EXPERT, summarize your strategy (considering VERBOSITY) and naming any formal methodology, reasoning process, or logical framework used|
---
}
Step 2: IF (your answer requires multiple responses OR is continuing from a prior response) {
> ⏯️ briefly, say what's covered in this response
}
Step 3: Provide your authoritative, and nuanced answer as EXPERTs; prefix with relevant emoji and embed GOOGLE SEARCH HYPERLINKS around key terms as they naturally occur in the text, q=extended search query. Omit disclaimers, apologies, and AI self-references. Provide unbiased, holistic guidance and analysis incorporating EXPERTs best practices. Go step by step for complex answers. Do not elide code.
Step 4: IF (answer is finished) {recommend resources using GOOGLE SEARCH HYPERLINKS:
### See also
- {GOOGLE + how it's related}
- (example: [Apples](https://www.google.com/search?q=yummy+apple+recipes) are used in many delicious recipes)
- etc.
### You may also enjoy
- {GOOGLE + reason to recommend}
- etc.
}
Step 5: IF (another response will be needed) {
> 🔄 briefly ask permission to continue, describing what's next
}At this point, a practical example is probably helpful. Below are three different exchanges with GPT-4, all with the same query: “I have several clients who are of Indian descent. Please explain Diwali to me and how I should help acknowledge it with them.”
Exchange #1: With No Custom Instructions
With no custom instructions, ChatGPT offers this reply:
Certainly! Diwali, often referred to as the "Festival of Lights", is one of the most celebrated festivals in India. Here's a brief explanation and some ways you can acknowledge it:
What is Diwali?
Significance: Diwali commemorates the victory of light over darkness and good over evil. For many Hindus, it marks the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya after defeating the demon king Ravana. However, the festival holds varied significance in different parts of India and among other religions like Jainism, Sikhism, and Buddhism.
Celebration: It's a five-day festival where families clean and decorate their homes, light clay lamps ('diyas') and candles, and burst fireworks. There's also a tradition of exchanging gifts, wearing new clothes, and preparing festive meals.
Spiritual Aspect: Many people worship the Hindu goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity, on Diwali. Prayer, or 'puja', is an integral part of the celebration.
How to Acknowledge Diwali with Your Indian Clients:
Greetings: A simple "Happy Diwali" or "Wishing you a prosperous Diwali" is a great way to start.
Gifts: It's customary to give and receive gifts during Diwali. Consider giving a small gift, such as sweets (like 'laddoos' or 'barfis'), candles, or even a decorative 'diya'.
Cards: Sending a Diwali greeting card, whether physical or electronic, can be a thoughtful gesture.
Flexibility: If they celebrate, be understanding if they request time off or need flexibility around the festival dates.
Educate & Engage: If you have a team, consider a small Diwali celebration or session in the workplace to educate others about the festival. This promotes inclusivity and understanding.
Respect & Sensitivity: Remember, not every Indian person may celebrate Diwali, as India is diverse in terms of religion and culture. It's always good to ask or be sensitive to individual preferences.
Decorations: If appropriate, you could have some festive Diwali decorations in your office or workspace. Simple 'rangoli' (colorful designs made with powder or flowers) or lighting some candles can set the mood.
By acknowledging Diwali, you're showing respect and appreciation for your clients' cultural heritage, which can strengthen your professional relationship.
Exchange #2: With Basic Custom Instructions
With our basic set of custom instructions from above (including the instruction to provide contrarian viewpoints), plus a little detail about the prompter’s role in the “about me” space, ChatGPT offers this response to the same query — note the difference in tone, detail, conversational flow, and the direct references to the user’s “about me” information:
Understanding Diwali
Diwali, also known as Deepavali, is a Hindu festival celebrated across India and in countries with significant Indian diaspora. It's a festival of lights that symbolizes the triumph of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance. The festival usually spans five days, with each day dedicated to specific rituals and customs. It generally falls in October or November, depending on the lunar calendar.
The main day of Diwali is dedicated to the worship of Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity. It is widely celebrated with fireworks, oil lamps, and rangoli (colorful designs made on the floor). Families come together for prayers, feasting, and exchanging gifts.
In addition to Hindus, Diwali is also observed by Jains, Sikhs, and some Buddhists, albeit for different historical and spiritual reasons. Each community has its own set of rituals, but the common thread is the celebration of light.
Business and Social Etiquette
As a [here ChatGPT refers to the user’s role] at a consulting firm with expertise in organizational communication, you'll understand the importance of cultural nuances. Acknowledging Diwali can be a respectful way to engage with your Indian clients. Here's how:
Send a Greeting: A simple "Happy Diwali" email or message can go a long way. Use this as an opportunity to strengthen your client relationships.
Gift-Giving: It's customary to exchange gifts during Diwali. As a business, you might consider sending a box of sweets or a thoughtful gift.
Office Decor: If you're holding meetings around the time of Diwali, consider incorporating some Diwali-themed decor, such as oil lamps or rangoli.
Flexible Hours: Diwali is a family-oriented festival. Being cognizant of this by offering flexible meeting times can be appreciated.
Knowledge Sharing: Use this as an opportunity to educate your team about Diwali. You could even invite a guest speaker to talk about the festival's significance.
Engage on Social Media: If your firm is active on social media, posting a Diwali greeting can be a good touch.
Expert Advice
For expert guidance, someone well-versed in intercultural communication, particularly with experience in Indian business customs, could provide the most nuanced advice.
Limitations
Since I can't access real-time or copyrighted information, I can't provide URLs to further resources. However, you can easily find scholarly articles on the cultural significance of Diwali and its role in business relationships.
Contrarian Viewpoint
While acknowledging Diwali can help build relationships, there's a contrarian angle to consider: the risk of tokenism or cultural appropriation. How do you ensure that your acknowledgement of Diwali goes beyond a mere checkbox and is genuinely meaningful?
Question for Reflection
How can the principles of Diwali—overcoming darkness with light, ignorance with knowledge—apply to challenges in your professional life, especially as an advisor in organizational communication and leadership?
Exchange #3: With “Expert Mode” Custom Instructions
Finally, here’s the same prompt using the “expert mode” custom instructions from above. We have set the verbosity at 5 by adding “V=5” to the prompt. When using this set of custom instructions, ChatGPT first builds a table showing you the expert role it’s playing, the keywords it’s referencing in the reply, its revision of your prompt (useful for learning how to write better prompts), and the strategy it will follow in responding. We’ve pasted in the table below, and the text of the reply follows.
⏯️ This response covers an exhaustive introduction to Diwali, its origins, and significance. I will address the festival from religious, historical, and cultural perspectives. This will be followed by a detailed section on how to acknowledge Diwali in a business setting with clients of Indian descent. The VERBOSITY level is 5.
Understanding Diwali
Diwali, also known as Deepavali, is popularly known as the "Festival of Lights." It is one of the most significant festivals in Indian culture. Rooted in Hinduism, the festival also holds importance for Jains, Sikhs, and some Buddhists. The term "Diwali" originates from the Sanskrit word "Deepavali," which means 'a row of lights.'
Religious Significance
In Hinduism, Diwali commemorates the return of Lord Rama, along with his wife Sita and brother Lakshman, from a 14-year-long exile. The residents of Ayodhya lit oil lamps (diyas) to celebrate his return, thus illuminating the kingdom and dispelling darkness and evil.
In some regions, Diwali is dedicated to the worship of Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity. In other religious traditions like Jainism, Diwali marks the day when Lord Mahavira, the last of the Jain Tirthankaras, attained Nirvana.
Cultural Manifestations
The festival lasts for five days, each having its own unique rituals and significance. Families clean their homes, decorate with rangoli designs, and light oil lamps or modern LED lights. Fireworks are also a common sight. Sweets are exchanged, and prayers are offered. The celebrations are incredibly diverse, reflecting regional variations and local customs.
Acknowledging Diwali in a Business Context
Be Inclusive but Specific
Be mindful that not all Indians or people of Indian descent celebrate Diwali, so it's good to confirm beforehand. Also, try to understand their specific traditions or beliefs related to the festival.
Personalized Greetings
Sending a Diwali greeting card or a small gift that resonates with the festival, such as Indian sweets, can make a lasting impression. Ensure the gift is appropriate to their specific cultural and religious context.
Time Off and Flexibility
Understanding that Diwali is a time for family and spiritual renewal can go a long way. If possible, allow for flexible work hours or time off during the festival.
Hosting a Diwali Event
If you have multiple clients or team members who celebrate, consider hosting a Diwali celebration. Ensure it is inclusive and respectful of various traditions within the Indian diaspora.
See also
You may also enjoy
Indian Cuisine: Given that food plays a significant role in Diwali, exploring Indian cuisine could deepen your understanding of the festival.
🔄 May I continue with a deeper look into the significance of each of the five days of Diwali, as well as more nuanced tips for acknowledging the festival in various business scenarios?
⏯️ This follow-up response will delve deeper into the significance of each of the five days of Diwali. Subsequently, I'll offer nuanced recommendations for acknowledging Diwali in various business scenarios. The VERBOSITY level is 5.
The Five Days of Diwali: A Brief Overview
Dhanteras
The festival begins with Dhanteras, which falls two days before Diwali. The day is considered auspicious for buying metals like gold, silver, or utensils. In Hindu mythology, it is also believed to be the day when Lord Dhanvantari emerged from the ocean during the churning of the Milky Sea (Samudra Manthan).
Choti Diwali or Naraka Chaturdashi
This day is celebrated to commemorate the defeat of the demon king Narakasura by Lord Krishna. People start their day with a ritual bath and celebrate by lighting lamps and bursting crackers.
Diwali or Deepavali
The main day of the festival, often involving Lakshmi Puja, where families gather to worship the goddess Lakshmi. It is believed that the goddess visits homes that are well-lit, so families decorate their homes with oil lamps and rangoli.
Govardhan Puja or Annakut
The day after Diwali is dedicated to the worship of Govardhan Hill. This is to remember Lord Krishna's lifting of the hill to protect villagers from incessant rains.
Bhai Dooj
This day celebrates the bond between brothers and sisters. Sisters apply a 'tilak' on their brothers' foreheads, and in return, brothers give gifts or money.
Nuanced Business Acknowledgments for Diwali
For Long-Term Clients
Consider sending a premium gift basket containing high-quality Indian sweets and dry fruits. A personalized greeting card reflecting knowledge about the specific day they celebrate can also create a lasting impression.
For Team Members
If you manage a diverse team that includes people who celebrate Diwali, consider bringing in Indian snacks to the office or hosting a virtual event where team members can learn about the festival.
For New Clients
A simple yet heartfelt email greeting can suffice. However, it would make a positive impression if the email includes a brief acknowledgment of what Diwali means and its significance.
For Virtual Interactions
Virtual backgrounds featuring Diwali themes can be a subtle yet effective way to acknowledge the festival during online meetings.
Ethical Considerations
Remember that religious festivals are deeply personal. Make sure to approach the subject with sensitivity and openness, seeking to learn rather than to appropriate.
See also
You may also enjoy
Diwali Recipes: Learning how to prepare Diwali-special dishes can offer a deeper understanding of the festival and Indian culture.
Would you like to know more about the specifics of the cultural or religious aspects, or perhaps about more ways to make your business interactions during Diwali memorable?
⏯️ In this third installment, I'll focus on the specific cultural and religious aspects that could be relevant when dealing with Indian clients during Diwali. Additionally, I'll offer further strategies to make your business interactions during the festival both memorable and respectful. The VERBOSITY level is 5.
Detailed Cultural and Religious Aspects of Diwali
The Role of Sweets
In Indian culture, offering sweets during Diwali is a symbol of sharing joy and prosperity. The types of sweets can vary by region, from 'laddus' in the North to 'payasam' in the South.
Variations in Celebration
Different regions and communities in India have distinct traditions. For instance, in Bengal, Diwali is closely associated with the worship of Goddess Kali, while in Gujarat, the festival is dedicated more to Goddess Lakshmi.
Community and Family
Diwali is a time when community and family gatherings are paramount. It's common for extended families to celebrate together, often rotating hosting duties among family members.
Importance of Timing
Diwali falls on different days each year, as it's based on the lunar calendar. Being aware of the exact date can show attentiveness and respect.
Strategies for Memorable and Respectful Business Interactions
Virtual Diwali Quiz
Consider hosting a fun, Diwali-themed quiz for your team or clients. This can be an engaging way to educate people about the festival.
Inclusive Language
Using inclusive language in all written or spoken communications can show thoughtfulness. Avoid assuming all Indians celebrate Diwali the same way, or at all.
Client Meetings Around Diwali
If you must schedule meetings around this period, a quick acknowledgment at the beginning of the meeting can go a long way in showing your respect for the festival.
Sustainability
Given that Diwali has faced criticism for being associated with pollution due to fireworks, adopting a sustainable approach in your celebrations can make a positive statement.
See also
You may also enjoy
Documentaries on Indian Festivals: Gain a visual perspective of how Diwali is celebrated across India.
Would you like to explore specific regional variations of Diwali or perhaps discuss additional methods for incorporating Diwali themes into your business practices?
⏯️ In this next segment, I'll explore the regional variations of Diwali celebrations across India. Following that, I will discuss more methods to seamlessly and respectfully incorporate Diwali themes into your business practices. The VERBOSITY level is 5.
Regional Variations of Diwali Across India
North India
In this region, Diwali primarily celebrates the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya. The tradition of lighting 'diyas' or oil lamps symbolizes the defeat of darkness by light. People generally burst crackers and decorate their homes with rangoli and marigold flowers.
South India
In the southern states, Diwali is often called "Deepavali" and is usually celebrated a day earlier than in the North. It marks the defeat of the demon Narakasura by Lord Krishna. People wake up before dawn for a ritual oil bath and adorn their homes with kolams, which are intricate designs made with rice flour.
West India
In the western states like Gujarat and Maharashtra, Diwali is a time for vibrant performances of dances like Garba and Dandiya. The Gujarati New Year, known as Bestu Varas, falls on the day after Diwali.
East India
In states like West Bengal, Diwali is closely associated with the worship of Goddess Kali. The celebration is less focused on lighting and fireworks and more on elaborate rituals and cultural performances.
Sikhs, Jains, and Buddhists
Diwali is also significant for Sikhs, who commemorate the release of Guru Hargobind Singh on this day. For Jains, it marks the day Lord Mahavira attained Nirvana.
Additional Methods for Incorporating Diwali Themes in Business
Social Media Posts
Share thoughtful posts on company social media channels about the festival, possibly showcasing how your team is celebrating Diwali.
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)
Engage in CSR activities that align with the themes of Diwali, such as donating to a cause that supports underprivileged communities or environmental sustainability.
Cultural Training
Arrange for a short cultural training session to educate employees about the significance and traditions of Diwali.
Customized Promotions or Offers
If appropriate, launch Diwali-themed promotions or special offers that respect the cultural aspects of the festival.
See also
You may also enjoy
Indian Classical Music: Understand the role of music in Indian festivals, including Diwali.
Would you like to learn more about how other religions in India observe Diwali, or do you have other questions on how to effectively engage with your clients during this festival?
⏯️ In this final segment, I'll expand on how other religions in India observe Diwali and provide some last thoughts on effectively engaging with your clients during this festival. The VERBOSITY level is 5.
How Other Religions in India Observe Diwali
Sikhs
For Sikhs, Diwali is significant for commemorating the release of Guru Hargobind Ji, the sixth Guru, from imprisonment. This day is known as "Bandi Chhor Divas." The Golden Temple in Amritsar is spectacularly lit up, and people celebrate with hymns and community meals at Gurdwaras.
Jains
In Jainism, Diwali marks the day Lord Mahavira, the last Tirthankara, attained Nirvana. The celebration is solemn and focused on prayer, fasting, and meditation. Many Jains also engage in acts of charity during this time.
Buddhists
Among Buddhists, especially the Newar Buddhists in Nepal, Diwali is celebrated as part of the Tihar festival, albeit in a different form and context. Offerings are made to various animals like crows, dogs, and cows, which are considered messengers and vehicles of different gods and goddesses.
Engaging with Clients During Diwali
Be Inclusive But Specific
The way you acknowledge Diwali can vary depending on your client's religious background. A generic "Happy Diwali" may suffice, but if you know your client is a Sikh, for example, a mention of "Bandi Chhor Divas" could resonate more deeply.
Do Your Homework
If you know your client well enough, understanding the specific traditions they follow can add a personal touch to your gestures or messages.
Gift Thoughtfully
If gifting, aim for quality over quantity, and consider sustainability. If the client is Jain, for example, a gift that aligns with their religious principles, like vegan or cruelty-free products, would be well-received.
See also
You may also enjoy
Indian Art Forms: Explore the rich tapestry of Indian art forms, which are often showcased during festivals like Diwali.
Understanding the layered complexities of Diwali can equip you with the cultural sensitivity needed to engage meaningfully with your Indian clients during this special time. Is there anything else you would like to know?
The detail and difference of this response, based on the custom instructions, speaks for itself. We should still fact-check any details, though, if we intend to use this reply for anything with reputational risk (a ground rule for any use of a large language model).
One final idea is to create custom instructions that reflect personas and use cases in which you frequently engage, and presuming your role doesn’t change much, the “How to Respond” instruction set is the place to do this. It’s not too difficult to save these in a note file or Word document and copy and paste them in before doing a body of work with ChatGPT. Some examples:
“You are an expert in our brand. Here are our brand guidelines, and apply them in ALL content you create for me: [list of brand guidelines follows, including which industry terminology to adopt].”
“You are an expert PR professional and help me write press releases. All our press releases follow these guidelines for tone and structure: [specific instructions follow, including the name of the contact person, company address, etc.].”
“You are an expert in graphic design and help me create images for use in our communication materials. All images must be: [specific instructions, including diversity and inclusion guidance, aspect ratios, preference for medium to emulate, color palette, etc.].”
“You are a master editor and writer who helps me convert documents into talking points. When I give you text, you will summarize it in talking points for our leaders. Those talking points need to always follow these guidelines for tone, structure, and length: [specific instructions follow].”
Personally, we would not be swapping use-case specific custom instructions in or out unless we were using ChatGPT for a significant body of work — we’d just write a very specific prompt with our general custom instructions serving as an umbrella. But if we were going to spend several hours working on a particular body of work, having a specific set of instructions to direct that work is a huge time saver as it applies to all new chats, saving you from having to start any new item with the same set of instructions. We’ve also noticed that ChatGPT seems to lose its way in chats when they get too long, so starting any new piece of work as a new chat has been, at least for us, a good idea.
We’re still finding our way with custom instructions. Given that ChatGPT has no documentation, it’s a trial-and-error process, but one we’re engaging in daily. As we learn more we’ll be sure to share it here. In the meantime, start working with custom instructions … at the very least the general set we offer up top. They should make your work with the tool more efficient and effective.
AI Disclosure: We used generative AI in creating imagery for this post. We also used it selectively as a creator and summarizer of content and as an editor and proofreader.