Why effective prompt writing matters

The quality of a prompt directly influences the user experience. A well-crafted prompt:

Reduces misunderstandings

Clear instructions help the agent interpret user input correctly

Improves flow

Thoughtfully structured prompts enable smooth transitions between conversational states

Enhances personalization

Using variables and targeted language creates a more engaging, empathetic experience

Ensures consistency

Uniform guidelines across all prompts lead to a predictable, reliable agent behavior

Getting started with prompt writing

Understanding the role of prompts

Prompts are the instructions that guide the behavior of your voice bot. They define how the bot:

  • Greets users
  • Manages conversation flows
  • Responds to various user inputs
  • Handles unexpected scenarios

In a voice interface, brevity and clarity are crucial—each prompt must be easy to understand, even when delivered in a dynamic or noisy environment.

Core components

Global instructions

The overarching instruction set that defines the agent’s persona, boundaries, and behavior rules. Includes security protocols, sentiment handling, and escalation paths.

State instructions

Detailed step-by-step instructions for specific conversation states, with clear transitions and variable management.