Delimiter Tricks for 10x Better AI Results

Ever feel like you're speaking a foreign language when interacting with AI?

August 12, 2024

Ever feel like you're speaking a foreign language when interacting with AI?

You think you’re giving clear instructions, but the AI returns something completely off base. Frustrating, right?

Well, here’s the thing:

It might not be the AI that's at fault—it could be your prompts.

The real issue? Vague or messy instructions.

But don’t worry, I’m here to help. Today, we'll explore the power of delimiters—your secret tool for precise AI communication.

So, what exactly are delimiters?

Think of them as dividers. They help to separate different pieces of information in your prompts. Without them, your instructions can become a confusing mess. With them, everything is neatly organized.

Here’s the breakdown:

  1. Use triple quotes (""") for straightforward prompts.

  2. For more complex instructions, XML tags are your go-to.

Triple quotes example to boost efficiency👇

Generate a 5-7 sentence description of the character in the following text. Highlight their personality traits, physical appearance, and any significant backstory elements. Ensure the tone is descriptive and engaging.

""" The character, Alice, was a curious and adventurous young woman with striking green eyes and flowing auburn hair. She had a knack for solving puzzles and loved exploring unknown territories. Despite her cheerful demeanor, she harbored a deep sense of responsibility, stemming from a troubled past where she had to fend for herself after losing her parents. Her slender frame and quick reflexes made her an excellent climber, and she often used her agility to navigate difficult terrains. Alice's determination and courage were unmatched, making her a natural leader among her peers. """

Using triple quotes in this prompt helps the AI distinguish between the instructions and the content to work with, ensuring a clear separation that prevents confusion and maintains the focus on the task at hand.

Why is it important? Because well-crafted prompts lead to truly remarkable AI responses.

Imagine conversing with a brilliant expert who understands exactly what you're asking, without any need for clarification.

That’s the power of clear prompts. They eliminate confusion, streamline the process, and save you valuable time, ensuring you get the precise and impactful results you’re aiming for.


XML tags are straightforward once you get the hang of them.

Here’s how they work:

Start by placing your label inside angle brackets: <label>.

Next, insert the content you want to organize or define.

To wrap things up, close it with the same label but include a forward slash before the closing bracket: </label>.

And just like that, you’ve neatly organized your content.

Why should you pay attention to this? There are two key benefits:

  1. Labels: They make your content crystal clear by categorizing and defining different sections, leaving no room for ambiguity.

  2. Start and End Markers: They provide explicit boundaries, helping the AI to understand exactly where each section begins and ends. This precision ensures that your AI processes your prompts accurately and efficiently.

Example of how to use XML tags in your prompts for 10x results 👇

Generate a detailed summary of the following research paper. Use XML tags to organize the summary into sections: Introduction, Methods, Results, and Conclusion. Each section should be clearly labeled and include a brief overview of the key points.

<Introduction>

Provide a concise overview of the research paper's background, objectives, and significance. Explain the context and the main problem the research addresses.

</Introduction>

<Methods>

Summarize the methodologies used in the study. Include details on the research design, data collection techniques, and analysis methods.

</Methods>

<Results>

Outline the major findings of the research. Highlight the data and results presented, including any significant patterns or outcomes.

</Results>

<Conclusion>

Summarize the implications of the research findings. Discuss the conclusions drawn by the authors and any recommendations or future research directions.

</Conclusion>

This prompt instructs the AI to organize the summary using XML tags, making it clear and structured.

  • Each tag represents a different section of the summary, helping the AI to deliver a well-organized and detailed response.

    Killer Tag Ideas👇

  • <examples>

  • <audience>

  • <format>

  • <tone>

  • <steps>

  • <FAQs>

  • <subject>

  • <greetings>

  • <introduction>

  • <purpose>

Easy peasy, right? But oh, so powerful!

Mastering delimiters isn't just about getting better results from your AI. It's like giving your brain a little upgrade. Clear prompts = Clear mind.

So, here's a fun challenge: Grab that prompt that always drives you nuts. The one that makes you pull your hair out. Rework it using delimiters.

Then sit back and watch as your AI goes from being a stubborn mule to your trusty sidekick.

Give it a shot! You can thank me later.

Keep exploring and keep your curiosity fierce! The best discoveries are still out there waiting for you! 🍻