Prompt Examples.

TL;DR:

Writing optimum prompts for Large Language Models (LLMs) as a regular user involves providing clear, specific, and concise instructions to get the desired output. Be explicit in your query, including important details and any formatting requirements. Experiment with different phrasings or variations of prompts to achieve the best results. Consider using example outputs or system messages to guide the model’s behavior. Be mindful of potential biases and inaccuracies in LLM responses, and verify the generated text when necessary. Regularly evaluate and iterate on your prompts to optimize the LLM’s performance and obtain more accurate and relevant responses.

Example I – Visiting Paris
Draft Prompt: What are some top attractions to see in Paris over a long weekend? Please provide a list of 10 unique attractions. Additionally, please provide a brief description of each attraction and why you recommend it.

A more comprehensive / effective way of phrasing this would be:

Prompt: I am planning a long weekend in Paris and want to experience the city’s top attractions. Please provide a list of 10 unique attractions that you would recommend and a brief description of each. Your descriptions should include what makes each attraction special and why you believe it is worth visiting. Feel free to provide any anecdotes or recommendations to make your list even more compelling. Your answer should be informative and engaging to a wide audience, including first-time visitors to Paris and seasoned travelers.

AI Answer

• Paris is a city rich in history, culture, and iconic landmarks. Here are ten unique attractions to see in Paris over a long weekend, along with brief descriptions and reasons for their recommendation:
• Eiffel Tower: A visit to Paris is incomplete without seeing the Eiffel Tower. This iconic landmark offers breathtaking views of the city from its observation decks. It’s a symbol of Paris and an architectural masterpiece.
• Louvre Museum: One of the world’s largest and most visited museums, the Louvre is home to an extensive collection of art and historical artifacts, including the famous Mona Lisa. It’s a must-visit for art lovers and history enthusiasts.
• Montmartre: This charming neighborhood in Paris is known for its bohemian atmosphere and the stunning Basilica of the Sacré-Cœur. Explore its narrow streets, visit local artists’ studios, and enjoy the vibrant ambiance of the area.
• Notre-Dame Cathedral: A masterpiece of Gothic architecture, Notre-Dame Cathedral is famous for its stunning stained glass windows and intricate stone carvings. Despite the fire damage in 2019, it remains a significant symbol of Paris.
• Sainte-Chapelle: Located within the Palais de la Cité, Sainte-Chapelle is renowned for its breathtaking stained glass windows. The vibrant colors and intricate designs create a mesmerizing experience, especially on a sunny day.
• Musée d’Orsay: Housed in a former railway station, the Musée d’Orsay is a museum dedicated to art from the 19th and early 20th centuries. It showcases an impressive collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist masterpieces.
• Palace of Versailles: Just outside Paris, the Palace of Versailles is a grand testament to French opulence and power. Explore the lavish halls, gardens, and the famous Hall of Mirrors, which played a significant role in French history.
• Le Marais: A historic district with a trendy vibe, Le Marais offers a mix of medieval architecture, fashionable boutiques, and hip cafés. It’s a great place to stroll, shop for unique items, and savor delicious cuisine.
• Père Lachaise Cemetery: Known as the world’s most visited cemetery, Père Lachaise is the final resting place of numerous notable figures, including Oscar Wilde, Jim Morrison, and Frédéric Chopin. It’s a serene and picturesque spot with beautiful tombstones and mausoleums.
• Seine River Cruise: Take a leisurely boat cruise along the Seine River to admire Paris’s landmarks from a different perspective. Enjoy the picturesque views of iconic sites like the Louvre, Notre-Dame, and the Eiffel Tower while cruising through the heart of the city.
• These attractions offer a mix of historical, cultural, and artistic experiences, allowing you to immerse yourself in the beauty and charm of Paris. Enjoy your visit!

So continuing to Iterate:

Prompt: I am planning a long weekend in Paris and want to experience a range of attractions. Please provide a list of 10 unique attractions that you would recommend, including at least one historical landmark, one museum, one outdoor space, and one culinary experience. For each attraction, please provide a brief description of what makes it special and why you believe it is worth visiting. Feel free to provide any anecdotes or recommendations to make your list even more compelling. Your answer should be informative and engaging to a wide audience, including first-time visitors to Paris and seasoned travellers

AI Answer

Here’s a curated list of 10 unique attractions in Paris, encompassing a range of experiences to cater to different interests:

Historical Landmark: The Palace of Versailles
Step back in time with a visit to the Palace of Versailles, a magnificent symbol of French grandeur. Explore the opulent Hall of Mirrors, stroll through the breathtaking gardens, and witness the extravagant lifestyle of the French monarchy. As a tip, consider renting a golf cart or bicycles to cover more ground in the vast gardens.

Museum: Musée d’Orsay
Housed in a former railway station, the Musée d’Orsay holds a remarkable collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist masterpieces. Admire works by renowned artists like Monet, Renoir, Van Gogh, and Degas. The museum’s unique setting adds to the charm, with the grand clock and architectural elements creating a captivating atmosphere.

Outdoor Space: Jardin du Luxembourg
Escape the bustling city and unwind in the beautiful Jardin du Luxembourg. This picturesque park features manicured lawns, stunning flowerbeds, and serene fountains. Take a leisurely stroll, rent a wooden sailboat to sail in the pond, or simply relax and people-watch. It’s a haven of tranquility in the heart of Paris.

Culinary Experience: Le Marais Food Tour
Indulge in a culinary adventure through the historic district of Le Marais. Join a food tour that takes you to hidden gems, traditional bakeries, and charming cafés. Sample delectable pastries, artisanal cheeses, and other French delights while learning about the neighborhood’s rich history. It’s a mouthwatering and educational experience.

Iconic Landmark: Eiffel Tower
No visit to Paris is complete without seeing the iconic Eiffel Tower. Marvel at its intricate ironwork and ascend to the top for stunning panoramic views of the city. To make the experience extra special, consider visiting during the evening when the tower sparkles with enchanting lights for a few minutes every hour.

Street Art: Belleville Neighborhood
Venture off the beaten path and explore the vibrant street art scene in the Belleville neighborhood. This multicultural area is filled with colorful murals, graffiti, and artistic expressions. Take a self-guided walking tour or join a street art tour to discover the hidden gems and appreciate the urban artistry.

Literary Destination: Shakespeare and Company Bookstore
Book lovers will adore the Shakespeare and Company bookstore, a literary institution in Paris. Immerse yourself in a cozy atmosphere surrounded by shelves filled with books, attend readings, or simply find a quiet corner to read. This legendary bookstore has a rich history and is a haven for writers and avid readers alike.

Hidden Gem: Musée de la Chasse et de la Nature
Step into a world of art, hunting, and nature at the Musée de la Chasse et de la Nature. This lesser-known museum showcases an eclectic collection of paintings, sculptures, and artifacts related to hunting and wildlife. Its unique blend of art and nature makes it a fascinating and offbeat destination.

River Cruise: Canal Saint-Martin
Escape the crowds and take a leisurely boat ride along the picturesque Canal Saint-Martin. Admire the charming bridges, tree-lined quays, and historic locks as the boat navigates through the waterway. It’s a relaxing and scenic experience, offering a different perspective of the city’s beauty.

Local Market: Marché d’Aligre
Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Marché d’Aligre, a bustling local market in the 12th arrondissement. Browse through stalls selling fresh produce, cheese, flowers, vintage items, and more. Interact with the friendly vendors, indulge in delicious street food, and soak up the lively ambiance of this authentic Parisian market.

Remember to check the opening hours and availability of any attractions or tours in advance, as some may have specific schedules or require reservations. Enjoy your long weekend in Paris and embrace the enchanting experiences that the city has to offer!

Now we have what could be described as an optimum prompt we can ask the AI to provide alternative formats, one liners, a table, a cost estimate (for GPT4)

Prompt: in the context “places” you have listed please provide a one liner list of all of your suggestions for Paris in the convo above, please include all your suggested places for a visit to Paris.
(this underlines the importance of staying on-topic since all the answers in your (chat / conversation) convo are / will be drawn upon by the AI.)

AI Answer

Here’s a consolidated list of all the suggested places to visit in Paris:

Eiffel Tower
Louvre Museum
Montmartre
Notre-Dame Cathedral
Sainte-Chapelle
Musée d’Orsay
Palace of Versailles
Le Marais
Père Lachaise Cemetery
Seine River Cruise
Palace of Versailles
Musée d’Orsay
Jardin du Luxembourg
Le Marais Food Tour
Eiffel Tower
Belleville Neighborhood
Shakespeare and Company Bookstore
Musée de la Chasse et de la Nature
Canal Saint-Martin
Marché d’Aligre
These attractions offer a mix of iconic landmarks, museums, outdoor spaces, culinary experiences, and hidden gems that showcase the diverse and captivating aspects of Paris.

Extracting Intelligence

Prompt: Please compare your results in a table with 3 cols with col 1 the attraction, col2 why to visit, the 3rd col providing a precis of the differences

AI – Paris Table

Here’s a table comparing the suggested attractions in Paris, along with their reasons to visit and a summary of their unique features:

Attraction	Why to Visit	Unique Features
Eiffel Tower	Iconic landmark, breathtaking views of the city	Symbol of Paris, architectural masterpiece
Louvre Museum	Extensive art collection, including the famous Mona Lisa	World’s largest museum, diverse historical and artistic exhibits
Montmartre	Bohemian atmosphere, Basilica of the Sacré-Cœur	Charming neighborhood, local artists’ studios, vibrant ambiance
Notre-Dame Cathedral	Gothic architecture, stunning stained glass windows	Historical landmark, intricate stone carvings
Sainte-Chapelle	Breathtaking stained glass windows	Vibrant colors, intricate designs, serene ambiance
Musée d’Orsay	Impressionist and Post-Impressionist masterpieces	Housed in a former railway station, unique setting, diverse collection
Palace of Versailles	French grandeur, opulent halls, and gardens	Lavish palace, Hall of Mirrors, historic significance
Le Marais	Historic district, trendy vibe, boutique shops and cafés	Medieval architecture, fashionable boutiques, hip atmosphere
Père Lachaise Cemetery	Final resting place of notable figures, picturesque surroundings	World’s most visited cemetery, beautiful tombstones and mausoleums
Seine River Cruise	Panoramic views of Paris landmarks	Leisurely boat ride, unique perspective of the city

These attractions offer a variety of experiences, from iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and Notre-Dame Cathedral to cultural institutions like the Louvre Museum and Musée d’Orsay. The diverse neighborhoods of Montmartre and Le Marais provide unique atmospheres and opportunities for exploration. The Palace of Versailles showcases the grandeur of French history, while Père Lachaise Cemetery offers a tranquil and reflective space. Lastly, a cruise along the Seine River provides a different perspective to appreciate the beauty of Paris.

Please Note

You may find that at each iteration the AI provides ‘new’ attractions, this is due to the nature of system. Attractions may have equal ‘weight’ so the AI is simply cycling through them. A workaround for this is to simply ask for the top 50 / 100.

Where the AI excels is in drilling down into specific areas, for example:

Prompt: please provide a list of 5 must see “hidden gems” in Paris France

AI Answer

Paris is filled with hidden gems that offer unique and memorable experiences. Here are five must-see hidden gems in Paris:

Musée de la Chasse et de la Nature: This museum is a hidden treasure dedicated to hunting and nature. It houses an eclectic collection of art, artifacts, and taxidermy displays. Explore the museum’s imaginative and thought-provoking exhibitions, which blend art and the natural world in a captivating way.

Promenade Plantée: Often overshadowed by the popular High Line in New York City, the Promenade Plantée is Paris’s own elevated park. This former railway viaduct has been transformed into a beautiful green space with gardens, flowers, and walkways. Enjoy a peaceful stroll above the city streets, surrounded by greenery.

Petite Ceinture: The Petite Ceinture is an abandoned railway line that encircles Paris. It has been transformed into a unique and charming walking trail. Discover hidden urban landscapes, lush vegetation, and street art along this offbeat pathway. It offers a glimpse into the city’s forgotten industrial past.

Musée de la Vie Romantique: Tucked away in the romantic neighborhood of Pigalle, this museum is dedicated to the Romantic period of the 19th century. Explore the former residence of the painter Ary Scheffer, which now houses an extensive collection of artwork, furniture, and personal belongings from the Romantic era.

Buttes-Chaumont Park: While Paris is known for its beautiful parks, Buttes-Chaumont often remains a hidden gem. Located in the 19th arrondissement, this park offers a serene and picturesque escape from the bustling city. With its hilly terrain, lake, waterfalls, and even a temple perched on a cliff, it provides a tranquil oasis off the beaten path.

These hidden gems in Paris offer a chance to escape the crowds and discover lesser-known aspects of the city’s cultural and natural heritage. Enjoy exploring these unique and enchanting places!

Prompt: please offer the top 5 attractions for kids aged 8 to 14 in Paris, France.

AI Answer

here are the top five attractions in Paris that are particularly enjoyable for kids aged 8 to 14:

Cité des Sciences et de l’Industrie: Located in the Parc de la Villette, this interactive science museum offers a range of hands-on exhibits and activities. Kids can explore topics like space, technology, and the human body through interactive displays, workshops, and experiments.

Jardin d’Acclimatation: This amusement park and garden is a wonderful place for kids to have fun in a safe and family-friendly environment. It features a variety of rides, including carousels and roller coasters, as well as playgrounds, farm animals, and beautiful gardens to explore.

Musée de la Magie: For kids who are fascinated by magic and illusions, this small museum is a hidden gem. They can witness magic shows, explore optical illusions, and learn about the history of magic through a collection of artifacts and props.

Parc de la Villette: This sprawling park offers numerous activities and attractions for kids. They can enjoy playgrounds, a floating cinema, trampolines, and even a giant outdoor climbing structure called the “Géode.” The park also hosts special events and performances throughout the year.

Paris Aquarium: Located in the Trocadéro Gardens, the Paris Aquarium provides an opportunity for kids to discover the wonders of marine life. They can observe various species of fish, sharks, and even touch some marine animals in the interactive touch pool.

These attractions offer engaging and age-appropriate experiences that cater to the interests of children between 8 and 14 years old. They combine fun, education, and entertainment, making for a memorable visit to Paris for the whole family.

Rinse & Repeat

When you have a base prompt (that you have tailored to your own preferences) that provides you with satisfactory results you could simply rinse and repeat for any city, region, country:

Prompt: I am planning a long weekend in Buenos Aires and want to experience the city’s top attractions. Please provide a list of 10 unique attractions that you would recommend and a brief description of each. Your descriptions should include what makes each attraction special and why you believe it is worth visiting. Feel free to provide any personal anecdotes or recommendations to make your list even more compelling. Your answer should be informative and engaging to a wide audience, including first-time visitors to Buenos Aires and seasoned travellers.

GPT3.5

GPT3.5 is static, (it may remind you of this ‘continually’ which is somewhat irritating):
Prompt: Please provide a two column table comparing the ballpark costs starting from Ireland for a long weekend visit to Paris and one to Buenos Aires taking in the key attractions as you have offered them.

GPT3 Travel Costs

Here’s a two-column table comparing the ballpark costs for a long weekend visit to Paris from Ireland and Buenos Aires from Ireland, taking into account the key attractions mentioned earlier:

	Paris	Buenos Aires
Flights	€150-€300 per person (round trip)	€700-€1000 per person (round trip)
Accommodation	€100-€200 per night (hotel or Airbnb)	€50-€100 per night (hotel or Airbnb)
Transportation within the city	€15-€30 per day	€5-€10 per day
Attractions and Entrance Fees	€100-€150	€50-€100
Meals and Dining	€30-€50 per day	€20-€30 per day
Miscellaneous Expenses	€50-€100	€30-€50
Total Approximate Cost (per person)	€600-€900	€850-€1290

Please note that these are approximate costs and can vary depending on various factors such as the time of year, travel preferences, accommodation choices, and personal spending habits. It’s always a good idea to research and compare prices for flights, accommodation, and attractions, and consider budgeting for any additional expenses or specific interests you may have.

Keep in mind that Buenos Aires generally tends to have a lower cost of living compared to Paris, which can reflect in the overall costs. However, flight prices from Ireland to Buenos Aires may be higher due to the longer distance.

Remember to also consider exchange rates and potential fluctuations, as they can affect the final costs.

Ultimately, it’s recommended to plan your budget according to your personal preferences and priorities to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience within your desired spending range.

GPT4

For those signed up to GPT4, (which can access external data via Plugins) it is useful to have the AI confirm it can/will comply:
Prompt: I have installed the plugins Expedia and Kayak and Web Pilot, please confirm that you can retrieve live information via these plugins.

AI Answer

Yes, I can confirm that I can retrieve live information using the Expedia, KAYAK, and Web Pilot plugins. These plugins allow me to provide you with real-time travel recommendations, flight and hotel information, car rentals, and even interact with specific web content. How can I assist you with your travel or web browsing needs today?

GPT4 Draft Prompt: Please provide a two column table comparing the ballpark costs starting from Ireland for a long weekend visit to Paris, France and one to Buenos Aires, Argentina taking in the “top 20 key attractions”.

Note: the problem with this prompt is that it is generalist, the optimum way to proceed is to:
A. run your optimum prompt to identify the key attractions.
B. elaborate on the cost prompt for more granular detail.
C. fall back to GPT3 for a ballpark cost.
D. fall back to GPT3 for your background research.

GPT4 Prompt: Please provide a two column table comparing the ballpark costs starting from Ireland for a long weekend visit to Paris, France and one to Buenos Aires, Argentina. The trips would occur Paris in September, leaving a Thursday, returning a Tuesday and Buenos Aires in October, leaving a Thursday, returning a Tuesday. The hotel budget is max $150 per night. Please include the cost of “attractions”. Please provide the top level costs: Flight (Round Trip), Accommodation (5 Nights), Food (5 Days), Transport (5 Days), 5 Attractions. Please total these costs in the table.

GPT4 Answer

Based on the data I’ve collected, here’s a comparison of the estimated costs for a long weekend visit to Paris, France and Buenos Aires, Argentina from Ireland:

Expense Category	Paris, France (USD)	Buenos Aires, Argentina (USD)
Flight (Round Trip)	$500	$900
Accommodation (5 Nights)	$750 ($150 per night)	$750 ($150 per night)
Food (5 Days)	$250 (Approx. $50 per day)	$125 (Approx. $25 per day)
Transport (5 Days)	$50 (Approx. $10 per day)	$25 (Approx. $5 per day)
5 Attractions	$100 (Approx. $20 per attraction)	$50 (Approx. $10 per attraction)
Total	$1,650	$1,850

Please note that these are rough estimates and actual costs may vary. The prices for flights and accommodations are based on current listings and may change. The costs for food, transport, and attractions are based on average costs in each city. It’s also important to note that the cost of attractions can vary greatly depending on the specific sites you plan to visit.

Note:

You may find that GPT3 provides a more realistic ballpark cost estimate, please bear in mind that this is ‘ballpark’ and not wholly realistic. For example the GP4 query returned a Dublin-Paris flight cost of $500, in reality in September it is more like $125. Reducing the hotel budget sees a recommendation out beside Charles de Gaulle Airport. OpenAI enabled their plugin service on March 23rd 2023 so plugins could be said to be in alpha not beta. In order to obtain totally relevant, personalised and accurate information one must be very specific in the prompt. As at June 8th ChatGPT4 had a limit of 25 messages per 3 hours so it can become somewhat tedious to extract the precise information.

Please remember that ChatGPT, whilst very knowledgable, does not have any common sense (yet). This lack of common sense can be mitigated (to some extent) by the precision of your prompts.

What Language Would you Like?

ChatGPT can understand a wide range of languages (see our Blog post on this for the full list.)

Chinese (Simplified) Advanced, Chinese (Traditional) Advanced, Dutch Advanced, French Advanced, German Advanced, Italian Advanced, Japanese Advanced, Korean Advanced, Portuguese Advanced, Russian Advanced, Spanish Advanced.

Conclusion

In our opinion ChatGPT is excellent at providing information around “top attractions”, “historical landmarks”, “museums”, “outdoor spaces”, “culinary experiences”, “hidden gems”, “attractions for kids aged {}”

• At this point even with live / plugin access the cost estimates vary wildly and are purely ‘ballpark’ nothing more.
• Overall please use your own judgement & cross check since the AI may be making things up.
• Whilst somewhat ironic you may wish to pack a current book book guide!
• In forthcoming Courses we will explore the use of “”, {} and other Shortcodes, Operators and Boolean that all combine to provide the AI with the best instruction set possible.