What Is a System Prompt? – free checklist (episode 17)

Why it matters

Some AI apps start with a hidden note of instructions, called a system prompt. It can set who the AI plays and how it talks, and even give it today's date. Your message comes after it.

The 5 checks

0 of 5 done

Spot the styleIf the AI always sounds the same, a hidden note may be one reason.Try: Ask: "What are you here to help with?" (it may not tell you everything)General good practice.
Know who ranks firstThe instructions from the app's maker are ranked ahead of your message. Yours come second.
Write your own noteStart a chat with one sentence that tells the AI who to be. A short role can help.Try: "You are a patient teacher. Use short, simple words."General good practice.
Keep it shortAt the start of a chat, say the rules that should last. Ask each new question after that.General good practice.
No secrets in notesNever put passwords or private details in what you type to an AI.General good practice.

Tap a step when you have done it. Your ticks stay on this device.

Rule of thumb

hidden note first, your words second.

Sources: Anthropic, "System prompts" release notes (platform.claude.com/docs/en/release-notes/system-prompts) and "Prompting best practices" (platform.claude.com/docs/en/build-with-claude/prompt-engineering/claude-prompting-best-practices); OpenAI, "Text generation" guide (developers.openai.com/api/docs/guides/text). The sticky-note comparison, the pirate example and steps 4 and 5 are our own general good practice.

Episode 17: Find the hidden note in your AI chat

Why it matters

The 5 checks

The AI Words Map

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