Using Prompt Sections for Multi-Stage Generation with AI Assistants

Most prompts are designed to elicit a single response from an AI assistant. However, prompts can also be structured in distinct sections to guide multi-stage generative sequences. In this post, I’ll explore how dividing prompts into introduction, body, and conclusion sections enables powerful multi-paragraph outputs.

As an AI writing consultant, I leverage prompt sections to have assistants produce long-form content with structured narratives. Let’s break down this advanced technique.

Why Multi-Stage Generation is Useful

First, why go beyond single-response prompts? Some key benefits of multi-stage generation include:

• Allows AI assistants to produce long-form content
• Provides scaffolding for coherent overarching narrative flow
• Enables creation of contextual introductions and conclusions
• Allows building up complex arguments or storylines step-by-step
• Permits dynamic incorporation of the AI’s own previous responses
• Reduces repetition by adding progression between sections
• Unlocks more human-like discourse from assistants
  
  

Prompt sections powerfully expand the horizons of AI content capabilities.

Basic Prompt Section Framework

The core framework involves dividing the prompt into:

• Introduction section
• Body section
• Conclusion section
  
  

For example:

*Introduction: Briefly introduce the topic of AI assistants and why they are important in society today.

Body: Provide an overview of current capabilities of AI assistants in three paragraphs. Cover use cases and limitations.

Conclusion: Summarize your key points and discuss the future outlook for AI assistant adoption.*

This structures guides the AI through staged content generation.

Variations on Multi-Section Prompts

Many variations on multi-section prompts are possible:

• Multiple body paragraphs for long reports
• Back-and-forth dialogue sections
• Integrating the AI’s previous responses
• Custom section labels like “background”, “analysis” etc.
• Gradient section transitions for seamlessness
  
  

Segment prompts to suit your specific needs.

Multi-Stage Prompt Templates

Here are some handy prompt section templates to adapt:

Informational Article

Intro: Introduce the topic and goals of this article in 2-3 sentences.

Body: Provide an overview of the topic in 3 paragraphs covering key points. Include relevant facts, data, examples and opinions from experts.

Conclusion: Wrap up with a 1 paragraph conclusion highlighting your main conclusions. Recap the importance of this topic.

Short Story

Setup: Describe the main character and setting in a few concise sentences.

Plot: Tell a short 3 paragraph story about the character encountering a challenge. Build up narrative tension and drama.

Resolution: Conclude the story with a 1 paragraph resolution revealing how the conflict gets resolved.

Opinion Essay

Introduction: State your central thesis in 1 sentence.

Arguments: Construct 3 paragraphs making your arguments and providing evidence. Reference experts and examples that back up your position.

Conclusion: Wrap up with a 1 paragraph conclusion reiterating your central thesis and arguments.

Executing Multi-Section Prompts with AI Assistants

When generating multi-section content using these templates, you can either:

1. Provide the full prompt upfront containing all sections
2. Enter sections sequentially, reviewing each AI response before providing the next section prompt

The second interactive approach allows dynamically adjusting later sections based on the AI’s initial responses.

Benefits of Prompts with Distinct Sections

Why go section-by-section? Some benefits:

• Ensures assistant stays on narrative arc
• Allows course correcting if AI wanders off track
• Enables prompt incorpororation of the AI’s own words
• Feels more like natural back-and-forth dialogue
• Provides clarity on expectations for each response
• Gives the AI generated content as context for subsequent sections
• Makes edits seamless by revising only certain sections

The interactive approach keeps your AI producer aligned.

Drawbacks to Consider with Multi-Section Prompts

However, also weigh drawbacks like:

• Increased time and effort to manage separate exchanges
• Potential repetition if sections are too disconnected
• Risk of losing overarching coherence
• Assistant forgetting context if exchanges are spread out
• Need to manually synthesize outputs into final product

Balance tradeoffs based on use case needs.

Hybrid Approaches Maximizing Multi-Section Benefits

Often the best solution is a hybrid approach:

1. Provide 2-3 section prompt with key guidance upfront
2. Let assistant generate multi-paragraph response
3. Review output and provide any refinement prompts section-by-section as needed

This gives the AI overall direction while allowing for nuanced course correction.

Start Structuring Multi-Stage AI Interactions

Whatever your exact approach, dividing prompts into distinct sections unlocks powerful new capabilities for long-form, coherent AI content generation. With practice, you can make multi-paragraph outputs feel dynamic and conversational.

I hope these tips provide a solid starting point for leveling up your prompting skills. Please reach out if you need any help implementing multi-section prompts for your particular use case and AI assistant. The future is conversational!