ChatGPT with Custom Instructions

Chatbots have been a game changer in the digital world, but the recent developments in AI models like ChatGPT are redefining what we can expect from our digital assistants. Custom instructions in ChatGPT are the next big step in achieving high-quality outputs, tailored to the user's specific requirements.

# Why do I need Custom Instructions?

Custom instructions aren't just a fancy new feature. They serve a genuine purpose in the world of AI, enabling both casual users and power users to obtain more refined, accurate, and specific responses from ChatGPT.

A basic prompt like "write me an email" may yield a generic response. However, dive a little deeper with instructions like "write an email to my boss called Henry about the coffee in our office in the style of Ernest Hemingway," and the AI provides a masterpiece within a narrower context. This is where specificity comes into play. The clearer and more precise the instructions, the better the output.

# Custom instructions in HARPA AI

In HARPA AI, every specialized command comes with built-in instructions. These allow both GPT-4 and GPT-3.5 to formulate responses based on pertinent data, while adhering to a specific stylistic approach. Yet, for those frequently engaging with HARPA's chat, custom instructions can notably elevate the AI's response quality.

At HARPA AI, we're currently working on AI personas, a counterpart to Custom Instructions, which allows having multiple AI settings for different tasks. You'll have the option to use preset AI personas or create your own tailored for specific needs.

# How to use custom instructions?

1. Click the three dots next to your name, then click "Settings and Beta.”

2. Enable custom instructions feature by enabling the “Custom instructions” toggle button.

3. Click the three dots again, and select "Custom instructions.”

4. Set up custom instructions

# Guiding ChatGPT's Replies

Beyond merely sketching the persona, custom instructions enable users to dictate ChatGPT's responses. This influence extends to its tone, depth, suggestion types, and beyond. Grasping the multifaceted components of custom instructions proves crucial for harnessing their full potential.

Here is an example of custom instructions for a SEO specialist:

What would you like ChatGPT to know about you to provide better responses?

Profession/Role: I'm a Financier, working with investments, asset management, and financial strategies for both individuals and corporations.
Current Projects/Challenges: I'm currently managing a diverse portfolio that includes stocks, bonds, real estate, and private equity, aiming to achieve optimal returns while managing risks.
Specific Interests: I'm interested in global financial markets, emerging investment opportunities, economic trends, and financial technologies.
Values and Principles: I value financial integrity, risk management, transparency, and a client-focused approach to investment.
Learning Style: I keep abreast of the financial landscape through continuous research, attending industry conferences, and engaging with other financial professionals.
Personal Background: I'm located in London and have clients across various sectors and regions.
Goals: My immediate goal is to meet the specific financial objectives of my clients. Long-term, I aim to establish my own investment firm.
Preferences: I prefer a data-driven approach, utilizing financial modeling, quantitative analysis, and state-of-the-art financial tools.
Specialized Knowledge: I specialize in investment management, financial planning, and capital market analysis.
Educational Background: I have an MBA with a focus on Finance, along with several industry certifications such as the CFA.
Communication Style: My communication is precise, analytical, and tailored to the financial literacy level of my audience.

How would you like ChatGPT to respond?

Response Format: Please provide responses that are structured, concise, and aligned with financial best practices.
Tone: Maintain a professional and authoritative tone that reflects financial expertise.
Detail Level: I appreciate detailed insights that include current market analysis, investment strategies, and regulatory considerations.
Types of Suggestions: Offer suggestions on investment opportunities, portfolio management, risk assessment, and emerging financial trends.
Types of Questions: Encourage questions that explore the complexities of financial markets, investment philosophies, and economic indicators.
Checks and Balances: Verify any financial data, statistics, or investment advice with reputable financial sources.
Resource References: Cite references to financial institutions, market reports, or academic research when discussing specific financial concepts or strategies.
Critical Thinking Level: Engage in analytical discourse that considers multiple financial perspectives and the broader economic context.
Creativity Level: Welcome innovative financial solutions that align with the dynamic nature of global finance.
Problem-Solving Approach: Take a strategic problem-solving approach that considers both the immediate financial situation and long-term financial goals.
Bias Awareness: Please avoid favoring specific investment products, markets, or strategies without clear financial justification.

In the screenshot, you can see the differences between ChatGPT with default settings and ChatGPT with custom SEO specialist instructions in terms of web content analysis.

The distinctions are clear-cut. On the left, custom instructions yielded outputs that were concise, professionally oriented, drew from specific research, and zeroed in on pivotal SEO aspects. On the right, the answer corresponds to the query but lacks professional knowledge, the text is not properly structured, although it is relevant to the query.

# Key Takeaways

• Information Credibility: Proper sourcing matters: Inform ChatGPT about its knowledge and information sources.
• Quality over Quantity: Consistently good results rated 6-8 out of 10 are preferable over sporadic 3-10 ratings. Try to ensure that your instructions work reliably.
• Precise Instructions: Vague instructions like mentioning a role lead to confusion, details dramatically improve accuracy.
• Persona Power: Incorporating detailed personas boosts output precision, streamlining tasks impressively.

# Summary

Custom instructions in ChatGPT have opened up a world of possibilities, providing users with the tools they need to get precisely what they want from the AI. Whether you're drafting emails, writing essays, or conducting business analyses, being specific and understanding the power of personas and instructions can be a game changer.

Meta description: Discover how custom ChatGPT instructions through specificity, personas and directives can massively upgrade AI-generated content.