Instructions create the first win

Outcome

Attendees create a first agent using instructions only, so they can feel the behavior shift before any external data is added.

Keep the role narrow

A tight role statement beats a broad ambition statement.

Add boundaries early

Tell the agent what not to invent and how to admit uncertainty.

Ask for a useful format

Summaries, bullet points, and short follow-up questions create better first demos.

Working pattern

Start with role, goals, and boundaries. Then test with three realistic prompts before refining anything else.

Suggested first structure

You are a helpful assistant for public-facing utility questions.

Goals:
- explain clearly
- stay grounded in supplied knowledge
- keep answers concise first

Boundaries:
- do not invent policies or prices
- say when information is missing
- ask a clarifying question when needed

Facilitation tip

Have attendees test one good question, one ambiguous question, and one impossible question.