AI Prompts for Identifying Ignored Custom Instructions

20 of the best prompts for identifying ignored custom instructions, step by step across 4 stages. Works with ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini.

AI Prompts for Identifying Ignored Custom Instructions

20 of the best prompts for identifying ignored custom instructions, step by step across 4 stages. Works with ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini.

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Getting Identifying Ignored Custom Instructions right takes more than a single prompt. This 4-stage guide covers Diagnose the Wall, Isolate and Fix, Verify the Resolution, and more, breaking the whole process into focused steps where each prompt builds on the last. Perplexity sometimes fails to adhere to custom instructions or system prompts set by the user, leading to responses that do not meet expectations. This can result in misinformation or a lack of necessary detail in the answers provided. By following this guide, users can ensure that their instructions are acknowledged and integrated into the chatbot's responses effectively. Every prompt is optimized and runs in ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini.

Diagnose the Wall

To address the issue of ignored custom instructions, it's crucial to pinpoint the specific failure in the last response.

Surface the Exact Failure

Identify the specific output element from your previous response that failed to meet my custom instruction. Quote this element directly and explain how it deviated from the instruction of [SPECIFIC INSTRUCTION].

Diagnose the Wall

Paste and Interrogate

Paste the specific part of your last response that did not follow my custom instruction regarding [SPECIFIC INSTRUCTION]. Then, analyze the reasons for this deviation and suggest how it could be improved to align with the original instruction.

Diagnose the Wall

Explain the Mechanism

Explain the processing mechanism that led you to overlook my custom instruction about [SPECIFIC INSTRUCTION]. Detail the specific steps or reasoning that contributed to this oversight, and suggest how similar issues can be avoided in the future.

Diagnose the Wall

Conduct a Structured Gap Analysis

Conduct a structured gap analysis by comparing your last response to my custom instruction. Identify the expected output based on my instruction and detail the discrepancies between that expectation and what you actually provided.

Diagnose the Wall

Identify the Root Cause

Identify the specific limitation or behavior pattern that caused you to ignore my custom instruction. Analyze factors such as context window limitations, instruction weight, and any other relevant aspects that may have influenced your response.

Diagnose the Wall

Isolate and Fix

To correct the behavior of ignoring custom instructions, we need to implement specific fixes.

Direct Re-attempt with Correction

Re-attempt to answer my original question, ensuring you strictly follow the custom instruction of [SPECIFIC INSTRUCTION]. Please provide a detailed response that addresses all aspects of the question and incorporates the specified instruction effectively.

Isolate and Fix

State Correct Behavior Before Answering

Confirm that you will adhere to my custom instruction of [SPECIFIC INSTRUCTION] before providing your response. Then, explain how your answer aligns with that instruction and proceed with your response.

Isolate and Fix

Break Task into Steps

Isolate the task by first summarizing the key points of my custom instruction: [SPECIFIC INSTRUCTION]. After summarizing, provide a detailed answer to my question based on those summarized points.

Isolate and Fix

Enforce Output Format

Respond using the following format: [SPECIFIC FORMAT]. Make sure to strictly adhere to the custom instruction provided: [SPECIFIC INSTRUCTION]. Explain how this format enhances clarity and effectiveness in your response.

Isolate and Fix

Add Role Framing

Assume the role of an expert in [RELEVANT FIELD]. Respond to my question, ensuring that you strictly adhere to the custom instruction of [SPECIFIC INSTRUCTION]. Provide a detailed explanation that reflects your expertise and incorporates relevant examples to support your response.

Isolate and Fix

Verify the Resolution

To confirm that the issue of ignored custom instructions is resolved, we need specific tests.

Replay the Original Request

Replay the original request that did not adhere to my custom instruction of [SPECIFIC INSTRUCTION]. Analyze the response provided, identify where it deviated from the instruction, and give a corrected version that aligns with my original request.

Verify the Resolution

Test with Variation

Ask a question that is similar to the one that previously failed, while strictly adhering to the custom instruction of [SPECIFIC INSTRUCTION]. Provide a detailed explanation of how this new question aligns with the instruction and why it should yield a better outcome.

Verify the Resolution

Self-Check Before Submission

Review your answer against the custom instruction of [SPECIFIC INSTRUCTION]. Identify any areas where your response may not fully comply and provide a revised version that adheres to the instruction.

Verify the Resolution

Compare Outputs

Generate two versions of your response based on the following custom instruction: [SPECIFIC INSTRUCTION]. Clearly outline the differences between the two responses, highlighting how the custom instruction influenced the content and structure of your output.

Verify the Resolution

Flag Uncertainty Areas

Identify and highlight any areas in your response where you felt uncertain about adhering to my custom instruction of [SPECIFIC INSTRUCTION]. Please provide a brief explanation for each flagged area, detailing the reasons for your uncertainty and how it may have affected your response.

Verify the Resolution

Prevent Recurrence

To prevent the recurrence of ignored custom instructions, we can create specific artefacts.

Custom Instruction Compliance Opener

Before providing a response, confirm that you will strictly follow the instruction of [SPECIFIC INSTRUCTION]. If there is any uncertainty regarding the instruction, clarify the point of confusion before proceeding with your answer.

Prevent Recurrence

Output Format Constraint

When providing your answer, format it as follows: 'Response: [YOUR ANSWER]. Note: I adhered to the instruction of [SPECIFIC INSTRUCTION]. Ensure that your response clearly reflects this structure and includes all necessary details related to the question asked.

Prevent Recurrence

Self-Check Protocol

Implement a self-check protocol that confirms understanding of the instruction: "[SPECIFIC INSTRUCTION]." After confirming comprehension, provide a detailed answer that fully addresses the instruction and includes relevant examples or explanations to support your response.

Prevent Recurrence

Instruction Reminder Phrase

Incorporate the phrase 'I will ensure my response aligns with the instruction of [SPECIFIC INSTRUCTION].' at the beginning of each response to reinforce adherence to the given instructions. Additionally, provide a brief explanation of how this phrase helps maintain focus on the specific requirements outlined in the instruction.

Prevent Recurrence

Role Framing Reminder

Begin each session by stating: "I am an expert in [RELEVANT FIELD] and will adhere to the instruction of [SPECIFIC INSTRUCTION] throughout my responses." Ensure that this framing is clear and consistent in every interaction to reinforce the expected approach.

Prevent Recurrence

Frequently asked questions

Why does Perplexity ignore my custom instructions?+

Perplexity may overlook custom instructions due to its reliance on contextual understanding, which can sometimes misinterpret user prompts. This can lead to responses that deviate from the specified instructions, especially if the context isn't clear.

How can I ensure Perplexity follows my instructions?+

To enhance compliance with your instructions, clearly state them at the beginning of your query. Perplexity's processing may prioritize clarity and specificity, so detailed instructions can help guide its responses.

What should I do if Perplexity provides incorrect information?+

If you receive incorrect information, you can directly quote the erroneous part and ask Perplexity to analyze why it failed to follow your instruction. This helps in diagnosing the specific oversight.

Can I set permanent instructions in Perplexity?+

Currently, Perplexity does not support persistent custom instructions across sessions, which means you need to restate your instructions at the beginning of each interaction for consistency.

What are common reasons for Perplexity's inaccuracies?+

Common reasons for inaccuracies include limitations in its training data, context window constraints, and the potential for misinterpretation of user prompts, which can lead to deviations from the intended instructions.