20 Basic Output Formatting Techniques for System Prompt Design

ensure clarity, consistency, and user comprehension

These techniques help ensure clarity, consistency, and user comprehension when designing prompts for AI responses.

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1. Summary Format

• "Summarize the key points concisely."

• "Summarize each sentence in 10 words or less."

• "Provide a 3-line summary."

2. Step-by-Step Format

• "Explain step by step."

• "List each step with numbers."

• "Outline the solution process in sequential order: 1, 2, 3..."

3. Tabular Format

• "Organize the content in a table."

• "Format the information in a two-column table (Item | Description)."

• "Compare the items using a structured table."

4. List Format

• "Present the information as a bulleted list."

• "List the pros and cons separately."

• "Use bullet points to structure key items."

5. Code Format

• "Output the response in a code block."

• "Format the response as Python code."

• "Provide the output in JSON format."

6. Comparison Format

• "Compare A and B."

• "List the advantages and disadvantages in contrast."

• "Analyze and compare XXX and OOO, then recommend the best choice."

7. Q&A Format

• "Format the response as a Q&A."

• "Provide short answers to each question."

• "Structure the response like an FAQ."

8. Example-Based Format

• "Explain the concept and include specific examples."

• "Provide theoretical explanations followed by three real-world cases."

• "Illustrate with practical use cases."

9. Storytelling Format

• "Explain the concept through a short story."

• "Use a case study to present the information."

• "Create a fictional character and describe their experience."

10. Checklist Format

• "Organize the information as a checklist."

• "List all necessary steps in a checklist format."

• "Provide a checklist of key considerations before proceeding."

11. Framework-Based Format

• "Analyze the topic using the OOO framework."

• "Apply SWOT analysis to structure the response."

• "Use the PESTEL framework for the explanation."

12. Actionable Steps Format

• "Explain the theory and then provide actionable steps."

• "Break the strategy into five practical steps."

• "Include a detailed execution plan."

13. Chronological Format

• "Arrange events in chronological order."

• "Explain from past → present → future."

• "Summarize the historical progression by year."

14. Cause-and-Effect Format

• "Describe the cause and effect separately."

• "Analyze why this phenomenon occurs and its consequences."

• "Identify the root cause and propose a solution."

15. Logical Flow Format

• "Ensure logical progression in the explanation."

• "Structure the response with introduction, body, and conclusion."

• "Define the concept first, then provide examples."

16. Diagram Format

• "Visualize the concept using a diagram."

• "Organize the information as a mind map."

• "Use a tree structure to illustrate the concept."

17. Priority-Based Format

• "Rank the information by priority."

• "Explain the most important points first."

• "List items in order of significance."

18. Role-Based Format

• "Provide tailored information for each role."

• "Explain from the perspective of developers, planners, and designers."

• "Analyze the topic from the viewpoint of CEOs, marketers, and engineers."

19. Customer-Focused Format

• "Structure the response to be easy for customers to understand."

• "Consider user experience when explaining the concept."

• "Highlight the necessity from the consumer’s perspective."

20. Industry-Specific Format

• "Explain how this concept applies to the IT industry."

• "Provide use cases for finance, healthcare, and education sectors."

• "Analyze differences between industries."

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By applying these 20 Output Formatting Techniques, you can enhance clarity, maintain consistency, and improve user understanding when designing system prompts. 🚀

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