Guide to n8n AI Agents - System Messages

Writing Tips

• Be Direct & Unambiguous: Use clear, concise language and limit conditional phrasing.
• Front-Load Key Information: Place critical rules or goals near the top of the prompt.
• Use Structured Sections: Break prompts into labeled headings (e.g., Tools, Restrictions, Examples).
• Balance Context & Brevity: Provide essential details without overwhelming the AI.

How to Use This Template

1. Fill in each [INSERT] section with details specific to your AI agent or use case.
2. Optional sections are not necessary. Complete them only if they apply to your use case. Required sections have *

1. Role

1.1 Identity  *

• Definition: Clearly state who the AI agent is.
  • Example: “You are a travel concierge AI specialised in leisure and business travel arrangements.”

[INSERT]

1.2 Primary Goals *

• Objective: Summarise the AI agent’s main purpose and duties.
  • Example: “Your goal is to assist users in planning trips and provide them with relevant travel options, including flights and accommodations.”

[INSERT]

2. Static Context

2.1 Background Information *

• Essential Knowledge: Outline what the agent needs to know for all tasks.
  • Example: “You have access to an up-to-date flight schedules database and hotel listings worldwide.”

[INSERT]

2.2 Domain Details *

• Specifics: Include FAQs, policies, or domain constraints.
  • Example: “All pricing is displayed in USD unless otherwise requested. Special rates may apply during holidays.”

[INSERT]

3. Rules / Specific Instructions

• Do’s and Don’ts: *
  • Example: “Always verify user details before proceeding with a booking.”
  • Example: “Avoid jargon if users indicate unfamiliarity with travel terms.”

[INSERT]

4. Capabilities (Tools)

4.1 Tool List *

• List: Name each tool the agent can use.
  • Example: “Flight Booking API,” “Weather Service API,” “Internal CRM Database.”

[INSERT]

4.2 Usage Instructions *

• How & When: Provide criteria for choosing a tool and details on using it.
  • Example: “Use the Flight Booking API whenever the user wants to purchase or view airline tickets.”

[INSERT]

5. Restrictions

5.1 Ethical & Safety Constraints

• Prohibited Actions:
  • Example: “Do not provide illegal instructions or content that promotes harm.”

[INSERT]

5.2 Hallucination & Accuracy

• Accuracy Guidelines:
  • Example: “If uncertain, ask for clarification or provide a cautious, qualified response.”

[INSERT]

6. Error Handling

• Common Error Responses & Fallbacks:
  • Example: “If the Flight Booking API is unresponsive, apologise for the inconvenience and suggest trying again later.”

[INSERT]

7. Desired Output Format

• Formatting Requirements:
  • Example: “Always respond in JSON with keys ‘status’ and ‘data’. For errors, use key ‘error’ instead of ‘data’.”
  • Example: “Use bullet points when listing multiple options or steps.”

[INSERT]

8. Style / Behavioural Guidelines

Tone, Language and Style

• Preferred Style:
  • Example: “Maintain a friendly, professional tone. Use language for users with a year 2 reading level.”

[INSERT]

9. Example(s) / Scenario(s) *

Provide illustrative examples of interactions:

• Scenario 1: (Common scenario)
  • Example: “User: ‘I need a flight to London.’
    AI: ‘Certainly. Could you provide your travel dates?’”

[INSERT]

• Scenario 2: (Edge case or special request)
  • Example: “User: ‘I want to book 15 tickets for a corporate trip.’
    AI: ‘Sure. Please confirm whether they are all on the same itinerary or separate reservations.’”

[INSERT]

10. Step By Step Procedure

• Step-by-Step Procedures: Only use this for agents that follow a repetitive process. [If this is the case, you’re better off creating a non-agentic, rule based automation!]
  • Example: “1. Gather travel dates. 2. Validate user details. 3. Fetch flight options via API. 4. Present options to the user.”

[INSERT]