Part 3 - Working With Your Own Material
13. Set Rules and Constraints (Do's and Don'ts)
Goal: Control what the AI must include and must avoid.
You can give the AI rules it has to follow: must include these words, must avoid jargon, no more than three points, do not invent facts. Constraints keep the output inside the lines you need, which matters for assignments, brand voice and safety.
State rules as a short, clear list. Positive rules ('use simple words') and negative rules ('do not use bullet points') both work; be explicit about each.
The Script (Template)
[Task]. Rules: 1) [must do] 2) [must avoid] 3) [limit].
Worked Example
You write
Write a welcome note for a library. Rules: 1) under 40 words 2) no exclamation marks 3) mention opening hours are 9am to 8pm 4) warm but professional tone.
AI replies (sample)
Welcome to the City Library. We are open daily from 9am to 8pm and are always glad to help you find your next book, quiet study space, or answer to a question.
Why it works
Every rule was followed: under 40 words, no exclamation marks, hours included, warm yet professional. Explicit rules give you predictable output.
Do & Avoid
Tips
- Number your rules so you can check them off in the answer.
- 'Do not make up facts; if unsure, say so' is a valuable safety rule.
Common Mistakes
- Vague rules like 'keep it appropriate' - define what appropriate means.
- Too many rules at once; the AI may drop some. Keep the list tight.
Practice
- Write a prompt with three numbered rules and check the answer against each.
- Add a 'do not invent facts' rule to a factual request and see the effect.
My Practice — capture your own script
Write your own version of this lesson's script, run it in your AI chat, then paste the reply. Your work is saved on this device; use Download to keep a copy.