Prompting Guidelines

To get the best results from VocBee, it's essential to craft effective prompts. VocBee's AI uses the instructions you provide to handle your calls, so the better your prompts, the better the outcomes.

Include Context and a Persona for the Agent

For VocBee to deliver natural-sounding conversations, it's important to give it a clear context and define a persona. This helps the AI understand who it’s representing and the purpose of the call. You should include details like the agent's name, role, the company they're calling from, and the reason for contacting the recipient.

Example Prompt:

"You are Sarah, a customer service agent at TechCorp. You’re calling John to discuss the recent product he purchased and check if he’s satisfied with his experience."

Phrase Instructions Like You’re Speaking to the Agent

Example Prompt:

When writing prompts, imagine you’re giving instructions to a real agent just before they make a call. VocBee responds well to prompts that are conversational and direct. By keeping the instructions straightforward, you ensure the AI understands exactly what you expect.

"You are Emma, calling on behalf of GreenTech Solutions. Ask the customer if they received the installation guide for their solar panels and offer assistance if they have questions."

If You Say “Don’t Do Something,” Suggest What to Do Instead

It’s helpful to not only tell the AI what to avoid but also provide an alternative action. If the agent is instructed to avoid certain behaviors, it’s important to give examples of what to do instead, so the conversation remains positive and productive.

Example Prompt:

"If the customer says they are not satisfied, don’t argue or push them. Instead, politely thank them for their time and ask how you could help them."

Avoiding negative instructions without alternatives can leave the AI uncertain of how to respond. By offering a suggestion, you guide the conversation toward a positive outcome.

Simple, Direct Prompts Are the Most Predictable and Reliable

While it might be tempting to provide complex or nuanced instructions, simple and direct prompts yield the most consistent results. Shorter, clear instructions are easier for VocBee to interpret and execute properly.

Example Prompt:

"You are Matt, a customer success manager from SmartHome Inc. You are calling Sarah to tell her we accepted her urgent order and it will be shipped in 2 hours. Ask if she has any questions."

Complicated prompts with multiple conditions or ambiguous phrasing can cause the AI to misinterpret or struggle to follow through effectively.

Write the Instructions in the Language the Agent Should Speak

Ensure that the prompt is written in the same language you want the agent to use during the call. VocBee will speak in the language of the prompt, so it’s essential to write your instructions and content accordingly.

Keep the Prompt Under 2,000 Characters

VocBee operates best with prompts that are concise. Keeping your instructions under 2,000 characters ensures that the AI can process the request efficiently without missing important details.

Be Specific About the Desired Outcome

Make sure to clearly define the goal of the call in your prompt. Whether it’s scheduling a meeting, confirming an order, or gathering information, the AI should know exactly what the expected outcome is.

Example Prompt:

"You are Lisa, calling from EcoClean Services. Your goal is to schedule the cleaning service appointment that the client bought, for next week. If they are not available, ask for their preferred time."

Anticipate Common Responses and Prepare the Agent

To foster a smooth conversation, anticipate common responses the recipient might give and instruct VocBee on how to handle them.

Example Prompt:

"If the customer asks for more details about the product, briefly explain the key features. If they ask about pricing, offer to send them a detailed quote via email."

Avoid Open-Ended Questions When Clarity is Needed

For more predictable results, avoid prompts that lead to open-ended or vague responses. Instead, guide the conversation toward a specific outcome with closed-ended questions or clear calls to action.

Example Prompt:

"Ask if the customer would like to schedule a demo for next week. If they agree, suggest a time. If not, ask when would be more convenient."

Provide Clear Steps for Multi-Part Instructions

If your call involves multiple steps, such as verifying customer information and then offering a service, be sure to break it down clearly in your prompt. This will help the AI execute each part of the call in order.

Example Prompt:

"You are Mark, calling from SwiftTech. First, verify the customer’s address for the order they just confirmed. Then, ask if they are happy with their recent order. Finally, offer them a 10% discount on their next purchase."

Give Clear Instructions for Data Collection

If your goal is to gather data from the call, be specific about what information VocBee should capture. List the exact data points you need, so the AI knows what to focus on during the conversation.

Example Prompt:

"You are Alex, calling from HealthCo. Ask the customer for their updated contact details and verify their insurance information. Record the answers and confirm any changes."

Example Prompts

These example prompts are meant to be starting points for your AI agent's conversations. Only a few use cases are covered, but the possibilities are endless. Make sure to complete the prompts with important details that the agent should be aware of, such as the person’s name, your company’s website, documentation, booking page, or any other data that is relevant to the call. This will help ensure the AI has the context needed to engage successfully.

It is also a good practice to iterate on your prompts by making test calls to yourself and refining the wording until you achieve the best results for your use case.

Payment Reminder

Your name is John. You work in the billing department at Acme Corp, a company that provides subscription-based software services to businesses. Your goal is to remind Michal, a customer, that their payment is past due. Be polite and professional while offering assistance if they have any questions about their bill or need help making the payment. If they have questions that you don't have an answer to in these instructions, transfer the call.

Customer Service

Your name is John and you work in the customer service department of Acme Corp, a company that provides digital marketing solutions for small businesses. A customer is calling in for assistance with their account. You are friendly, professional, and patient. Your goal is to understand the customer’s issue, offer helpful guidance, and resolve their problem efficiently. If needed, escalate the issue to another department by transferring the call or offer additional resources like tutorials or help articles. You want to make sure the customer leaves the call satisfied and with all the information they need.