Safe Prompt Examples

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General Guidelines

When interacting with AI systems, remember to:

Example Prompts

Zero-Shot Prompting

Zero-shot prompting involves giving instructions without providing examples. The AI is expected to understand and follow the instructions directly.

Please explain how to use public transportation in my city in simple terms. Include information about tickets and schedules.

This prompt is good because it:

  • Specifies what information is needed
  • Asks for simple explanations
  • Doesn't share personal details

Role Prompting

Role prompting involves asking the AI to adopt a specific role or perspective when responding.

Act as a patient and friendly technology teacher who specializes in helping seniors. Explain how to use video calls in simple terms, focusing on the most important buttons and avoiding technical jargon.

This prompt is effective because it:

  • Defines a specific role for the AI
  • Specifies the target audience
  • Requests appropriate language level

Few-Shot Prompting

Few-shot prompting involves providing a few examples to guide the AI's response format or style.

I need help writing emails to different places. Here are some examples of how I want them written: Example 1: To: Library Subject: Book renewal request Dear Library Staff, I would like to renew my book "The Garden Guide" for another two weeks. My library card number is XXXXX. Thank you for your help. Best regards, [Your name] Example 2: To: Pharmacy Subject: Prescription refill request Dear Pharmacy Staff, I need to refill my prescription for blood pressure medication. My prescription number is XXXXX. Thank you for your assistance. Best regards, [Your name] Now, please help me write an email to my doctor's office to reschedule my appointment for next week. Make it polite and professional.

This prompt works well because it:

  • Provides clear examples of the desired format
  • Shows the appropriate level of formality
  • Demonstrates how to handle personal information safely

Chain-of-Thought Prompting

Chain-of-thought prompting encourages the AI to break down complex problems into steps and explain its reasoning.

I want to learn how to use online banking safely. Please think through this step by step: 1. First, explain what online banking is in simple terms 2. Then, list the basic security measures I should take 3. Next, describe the common steps to log in to online banking 4. Finally, explain what I should do if I notice something suspicious Please explain each step clearly and use simple language.

This prompt is effective because it:

  • Breaks down a complex topic into manageable steps
  • Encourages systematic thinking
  • Requests clear explanations at each step

Asking for Information

I'm interested in learning about healthy eating for seniors. Could you provide information about: 1. Basic nutritional needs for older adults 2. Simple meal planning tips 3. Easy-to-prepare healthy recipes 4. Foods to avoid or limit Please use simple language and avoid medical terminology.

This prompt is good because it:

  • Structures the request with clear categories
  • Specifies the desired language level
  • Focuses on practical, actionable information

Getting Help with Tasks

I need help organizing my digital photos. Please guide me through the process step by step: 1. First, explain how to check how many photos I have on my device 2. Then, suggest a simple way to organize them by date 3. Next, explain how to create folders for different categories (family, travel, etc.) 4. Finally, provide tips for backing up my photos safely Please use simple language and assume I'm not very familiar with technology.

This prompt is effective because it:

  • Breaks down a complex task into manageable steps
  • Acknowledges the user's technical comfort level
  • Focuses on practical, step-by-step guidance

Learning New Skills

I want to learn how to use a smartphone for video calls with my grandchildren. Please explain this as if you were teaching a complete beginner: 1. First, explain what apps I might need 2. Then, describe how to find and install these apps 3. Next, explain the basic steps to make a video call 4. Finally, provide some troubleshooting tips for common problems Please use very simple language and avoid technical terms. If you need to refer to buttons or features, describe their location and appearance.

This prompt works well because it:

  • Specifies the user's experience level
  • Requests very simple language
  • Asks for visual descriptions of interface elements

Additional Examples

Using AI for Health Information

I've been diagnosed with high blood pressure. Can you explain what this means in simple terms? Please include: 1. What high blood pressure is 2. Common lifestyle changes that might help 3. When I should contact my doctor 4. What information I should track at home Please use simple language and avoid medical jargon. I'm not asking for medical advice, just general information.

This prompt is effective because it:

  • Addresses important safety concerns
  • Focuses on practical, affordable solutions
  • Protects privacy by not sharing specific details

Travel Planning Assistance

I'm planning a trip to [city] and need help understanding the public transportation system. Please provide information about: 1. The main types of public transport available 2. How to purchase tickets 3. Accessibility options for seniors 4. Safety tips for using public transport Please use simple language and focus on practical information. I'm not sharing my exact travel dates or personal details for privacy reasons.

This prompt is good because it:

  • Focuses on practical travel information
  • Addresses specific senior needs
  • Protects privacy by not sharing specific details

Hobby and Interest Exploration

I'm interested in starting a new hobby that's suitable for seniors. Could you suggest some options that: 1. Don't require expensive equipment 2. Can be done at home or in a local community center 3. Are good for maintaining mental sharpness 4. Offer opportunities to meet new people Please provide a brief description of each hobby and how to get started. I'm looking for activities that are both enjoyable and beneficial for my health.

This prompt works well because it:

  • Specifies clear criteria for suggestions
  • Focuses on both enjoyment and health benefits
  • Requests practical information about getting started

Financial Literacy

I want to learn about basic financial planning for retirement. Please explain in simple terms: 1. What are the main sources of retirement income? 2. How can I create a simple monthly budget? 3. What are some common financial scams targeting seniors? 4. How can I protect my financial information online? Please use very simple language and avoid complex financial terms. I'm not sharing any specific financial details or account information.

This prompt is effective because it:

  • Covers important financial topics for seniors
  • Emphasizes security and scam prevention
  • Includes a privacy disclaimer

Technology Troubleshooting

My tablet screen is frozen and I don't know what to do. Please guide me through some basic troubleshooting steps: 1. First, explain what a frozen screen means in simple terms 2. Then, list some safe steps I can try to fix it 3. Next, explain when I should restart the device and how to do it safely 4. Finally, suggest when I might need to ask for professional help Please use very simple language and avoid technical terms. Describe buttons and actions in detail, as if I'm seeing them for the first time.

This prompt works well because it:

  • Addresses a common technology problem
  • Requests step-by-step guidance
  • Asks for detailed descriptions of interface elements

Social Connection

I'm looking for ways to stay connected with family and friends who live far away. Please suggest some simple methods that: 1. Don't require expensive equipment 2. Are easy to learn and use 3. Allow for both text and video communication 4. Have good privacy settings Please explain each option in simple terms and include basic steps for getting started. I'm not very familiar with technology but want to stay in touch with my loved ones.

This prompt is effective because it:

  • Addresses an important need for seniors
  • Specifies clear criteria for suggestions
  • Acknowledges the user's technical comfort level

Entertainment Recommendations

I enjoy [type of entertainment] and would like some recommendations for new options to try. Please suggest: 1. Some popular and well-reviewed options in this category 2. Where I can find these (streaming services, libraries, etc.) 3. How to access them with minimal technical knowledge 4. Similar types of entertainment I might also enjoy Please provide brief descriptions and focus on options that are easily accessible. I'm not sharing my specific location or personal preferences for privacy reasons.

This prompt is good because it:

  • Focuses on personal interests
  • Requests practical access information
  • Protects privacy by not sharing specific details

Home Safety

I'm looking for information about making my home safer as I age. Please suggest: 1. Common safety hazards to address 2. Simple modifications that can help prevent falls 3. Emergency response options if I need help 4. Technology that might help me live independently longer Please focus on practical, affordable solutions and explain each suggestion in simple terms. I'm not sharing my specific living situation or health details for privacy reasons.

This prompt is effective because it:

  • Addresses important safety concerns
  • Focuses on practical, affordable solutions
  • Protects privacy by not sharing specific details