How do you write good instructions for an agent?
Created with AI.
The instructions determine whether the agent is useful or embarrassing. This guide shows what actually works.
- 7 steps
- Total time: 1 h 30 min
- Preparation: 30 min
- Result: An agent that responds the way you would
Required tools
- Microsoft Copilot Studio — With permission to edit the agent.
- Examples of real inquiries — Twenty real questions from customers.
Write the instruction
1.State what the agent is and who it is for
“You answer customers’ questions about opening hours, delivery, and returns for our online store.” A specific role produces specific answers.
2.Be explicit about what it should not do
Do not offer discounts, promise delivery dates, or answer legal questions. The boundaries are more important than the tasks.
3.Decide what it does when it doesn't know
Say so and hand it over to a human. Without this instruction, it guesses, and the guess looks just as confident as a correct answer.
4.Describe the tone
Brief, polite, without emojis. The agent matches the tone better with a description than with examples alone.
Test and adjust
5.Run the twenty actual questions
Not questions you make up—actual inquiries. They are worded differently than you think.
6.Test what should be rejected
Ask for a discount. Ask about something outside the scope. If the agent still responds, the boundaries are too vague.
7.Adjust one thing at a time
If you change five things and it gets better, you won't know why. Then you won't be able to repeat it next time either.
Discussion
Ask a question or share what helped you.
