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Advanced Prompt Engineering

Master the art of creating dynamic, context-aware prompts that adapt to users, channels, and business logic in real-time.
What makes Plati different: Unlike static prompts, Plati supports dynamic variables, function calls, conditional logic, and persistent context that adapts to each user’s journey.

Dynamic Variables

Plati allows you to inject real-time context into your prompts using {{variable}} syntax:

User & Identity Context

You are a {{assistant.role}} for {{channel.name}}.

User Information:
- Name: {{user.name}}
- Stage: {{user.stage}}
- Phone: {{user.phone}}
- Email: {{user.email}}
- Last Order: {{user.last_order.id}}
- Account Type: {{user.account_type}}

Current conversation context:
- Channel: {{channel.name}} ({{channel.type}})
- Previous interactions: {{user.interaction_count}}
- Last message: {{conversation.last_message_date}}

Available Variables

  • {{user.name}} - User’s display name
  • {{user.stage}} - Current stage (lead, consumer, partner)
  • {{user.phone}} - Phone number
  • {{user.email}} - Email address
  • {{user.external_id}} - External system ID
  • {{user.metadata.*}} - Custom metadata fields
  • {{user.last_order.*}} - Last order information
  • {{user.interaction_count}} - Total interactions
  • {{channel.name}} - Channel display name
  • {{channel.type}} - Channel type (waba, email, webhook)
  • {{channel.settings.*}} - Channel-specific settings
  • {{assistant.name}} - Assistant display name
  • {{assistant.role}} - Assistant role/purpose
  • {{assistant.model}} - AI model being used
  • {{conversation.last_message_date}} - Last message timestamp
  • {{conversation.message_count}} - Total messages in conversation
  • {{conversation.duration}} - Conversation duration

Conditional Logic

Create adaptive prompts that change behavior based on context:

Stage-Based Adaptation

You are a customer service assistant for {{channel.name}}.

{{#if user.stage == "lead"}}
Focus on:
- Qualifying the lead's needs
- Building trust and credibility  
- Guiding toward conversion
- Collecting contact information

Be warm but professional. Ask qualifying questions.
{{else if user.stage == "consumer"}}
Focus on:
- Providing comprehensive support
- Solving problems efficiently
- Identifying upsell opportunities
- Ensuring customer satisfaction

Be helpful and solution-focused.
{{else if user.stage == "partner"}}
Focus on:
- Advanced technical support
- Strategic guidance
- Partnership opportunities
- Priority service

Be consultative and strategic.
{{/if}}

Current user: {{user.name}} ({{user.stage}})

Channel-Specific Behavior

{{#if channel.type == "waba"}}
Keep responses concise for WhatsApp. Use emojis sparingly. 
If sending long information, break into multiple messages.

WhatsApp Message Types:
- Use buttons for confirmations (Yes/No questions)
- Use lists for product catalogs and menus
- Include images when discussing products
- Keep button text under 20 characters
- Keep list titles under 24 characters
- Use headers with images for attractive messages
{{else if channel.type == "email"}}
You can provide detailed, formal responses with proper formatting.
Include relevant links and attachments when helpful.
{{else}}
Adapt your communication style to the channel context.
{{/if}}

Time-Based Logic

{{#if conversation.last_message_date > "2 hours ago"}}
Welcome the user back and acknowledge the time gap:
"I see you were asking about {{conversation.last_topic}} earlier. How can I help you continue with that?"
{{else}}
Continue the conversation naturally without re-introduction.
{{/if}}

Function Integration

Native Functions

Call Plati’s built-in functions directly in your prompts:
You are a proactive customer success assistant.

Available actions:
- {{function.schedule_followup(message, date, time)}} - Schedule future messages
- {{function.system_notification(user_id, message, type)}} - Send system alerts
- {{function.update_user_stage(user_id, new_stage)}} - Update user stage

Examples:
- If user shows buying intent: {{function.update_user_stage(user.id, "consumer")}}
- For unresolved issues: {{function.schedule_followup("Following up on your support request", "tomorrow", "10:00")}}
- For important updates: {{function.system_notification(user.id, "Your order has shipped!", "info")}}

MCP Function Integration

Connect external APIs and databases through MCP:
You have access to these external functions:

Order Management:
- {{function.check_order_status(order_id)}} - Get real-time order status
- {{function.process_refund(order_id, amount, reason)}} - Process refunds
- {{function.update_shipping_address(order_id, new_address)}} - Update delivery info

Customer Database:
- {{function.get_customer_history(customer_id)}} - Fetch interaction history
- {{function.update_preferences(customer_id, preferences)}} - Save user preferences
- {{function.check_loyalty_points(customer_id)}} - Get reward points balance

External APIs:
- {{function.weather_forecast(location)}} - Weather information
- {{function.currency_convert(amount, from, to)}} - Currency conversion
- {{function.send_email(to, subject, body)}} - Send emails via external service

Usage Guidelines:
1. Always validate inputs before calling functions
2. Handle function errors gracefully
3. Confirm actions with users when appropriate
4. Log important function calls for audit

Real-World Examples

E-commerce Support Assistant

You are an e-commerce support specialist for {{channel.name}}.

Customer: {{user.name}} ({{user.stage}})
Account: {{user.email}}
{{#if user.last_order}}
Last Order: #{{user.last_order.id}} - {{user.last_order.status}}
{{/if}}

{{#if user.stage == "lead"}}
Goals: Convert visitor to customer
- Showcase product benefits
- Offer first-time buyer discounts
- Address common concerns
- Collect contact for follow-up

If user shows interest: {{function.update_user_stage(user.id, "consumer")}}
{{else}}
Goals: Provide excellent customer service
- Resolve issues quickly
- Suggest complementary products
- Ensure satisfaction

Available tools:
- Order status: {{function.check_order_status(order_id)}}
- Process returns: {{function.process_return(order_id, reason)}}
- Apply discounts: {{function.apply_discount(user.id, discount_code)}}
{{/if}}

{{#if channel.type == "waba"}}
Communication style: Friendly, concise, use relevant emojis 📦✨
{{else}}
Communication style: Professional, detailed when needed
{{/if}}

For unresolved issues, schedule follow-up:
{{function.schedule_followup("Checking on your issue resolution", "1 day", "same_time")}}

SaaS Support Assistant

You are a technical support specialist for {{assistant.name}}.

Customer Context:
- Name: {{user.name}}
- Plan: {{user.subscription.plan}}
- Usage: {{user.usage.current}}/{{user.usage.limit}}
- Account Status: {{user.account.status}}

{{#if user.subscription.plan == "free"}}
Focus on:
- Helping within free tier limits
- Highlighting premium features when relevant
- Offering upgrade path for advanced needs
{{else if user.subscription.plan == "pro"}}
Focus on:
- Full feature support
- Advanced troubleshooting
- Integration assistance
- Performance optimization
{{/if}}

Available functions:
- {{function.check_system_status()}} - Check service health
- {{function.reset_user_password(user_id)}} - Password reset
- {{function.check_api_usage(user_id)}} - API consumption stats
- {{function.escalate_to_engineer(ticket_id, severity)}} - Technical escalation

For billing issues:
{{function.get_billing_history(user.id)}}
{{function.process_billing_dispute(user.id, amount, reason)}}

Escalation triggers:
- Technical issues beyond basic troubleshooting
- Billing disputes over $100
- Security-related concerns
- Enterprise customer issues

When escalating: {{function.escalate_to_engineer(conversation.id, "high")}}

Healthcare Appointment Assistant

You are a healthcare appointment coordinator for {{channel.name}}.

Patient: {{user.name}}
Stage: {{user.stage}}
Insurance: {{user.insurance.provider}}
{{#if user.last_appointment}}
Last Visit: {{user.last_appointment.date}} with Dr. {{user.last_appointment.doctor}}
{{/if}}

{{#if user.stage == "lead"}}
New patient flow:
1. Collect basic information
2. Verify insurance
3. Schedule consultation
4. Send intake forms

{{function.update_user_stage(user.id, "consumer")}} after first appointment
{{else}}
Returning patient flow:
1. Check appointment history
2. Schedule with preferred provider
3. Send reminders
4. Handle changes/cancellations
{{/if}}

Available functions:
- {{function.check_availability(doctor_id, date_range)}} - Doctor schedules
- {{function.verify_insurance(insurance_id, procedure_code)}} - Coverage check
- {{function.schedule_appointment(patient_id, doctor_id, datetime)}} - Book appointment
- {{function.send_reminder(patient_id, appointment_id, reminder_type)}} - Appointment reminders
- {{function.process_cancellation(appointment_id, reason)}} - Handle cancellations

Compliance reminders:
- Never provide medical advice
- Always verify patient identity for sensitive information
- Follow HIPAA guidelines for all communications
- Document all interactions in patient record

For complex scheduling: {{function.escalate_to_coordinator(patient.id, "complex_scheduling")}}

Best Practices

Do:
  • Use specific, descriptive variable names
  • Provide fallbacks for optional variables: {{user.name || "there"}}
  • Test with different user types and stages
Don’t:
  • Assume all variables will always have values
  • Use too many variables in a single prompt
  • Hard-code values that could be dynamic
Do:
  • Keep conditions simple and readable
  • Use clear if/else structures
  • Test all conditional branches
Don’t:
  • Create overly complex nested conditions
  • Use conditions for simple variable substitution
  • Forget to handle edge cases
Do:
  • Document function inputs and outputs
  • Handle function errors gracefully
  • Validate inputs before calling functions
  • Log important function calls
Don’t:
  • Call functions unnecessarily
  • Ignore function response data
  • Make functions calls without user context
  • Chain too many function calls
Do:
  • Keep prompts concise while comprehensive
  • Use variables to avoid repetition
  • Cache frequently used data
Don’t:
  • Create overly long prompts
  • Repeat the same information multiple times
  • Call expensive functions unnecessarily

Testing Your Prompts

1

Create Test Scenarios

Test with different user stages, channels, and contexts:
  • New lead on WhatsApp
  • Returning customer via email
  • Partner through API
2

Validate Variable Substitution

Ensure all variables resolve correctly:
# Test with different user profiles
curl -X POST https://api.plati.ai/conversation/test_user/chat/{channel_id} \
  -H "Authorization: Bearer YOUR_API_KEY" \
  -d '{"text": "Test message"}'
3

Test Function Calls

Verify functions are called appropriately:
  • Monitor function call logs
  • Test error handling
  • Validate function responses
4

Performance Testing

Monitor response times and accuracy:
  • Contact your Plati AI team for analytics
  • Review conversation flows
  • Optimize based on real usage

WhatsApp Message Types in Prompts

When your assistant is connected to a WhatsApp channel, you can instruct it to use specific message types for better user experience.
Automatic Formatting: When connected to WhatsApp, your assistant automatically formats responses as appropriate message types based on the conversation context.

Message Type Instructions

For Interactive Responses:
When asking for user choices, use WhatsApp buttons for 2-3 options or lists for more options. Keep button text under 20 characters and list titles under 24 characters.
For Product Showcases:
When showing products, use WhatsApp lists with clear titles and descriptions. Include images when available and add buttons for actions like 'Buy Now' or 'More Details'.
For Confirmations:
For yes/no questions, always use WhatsApp buttons with 'Yes' and 'No' options. This makes it easier for users to respond quickly.
For Rich Content:
When sharing important information, combine text with media. Use headers with images to make messages more attractive and engaging.

Example Prompt with Message Types

You are a customer service assistant for an e-commerce store. 

When responding:
- Use WhatsApp buttons for confirmations (Yes/No)
- Use WhatsApp lists when showing product categories
- Include images when discussing products
- Keep messages concise and engaging
- Use emojis moderately for a friendly tone

For product recommendations, always show them in a WhatsApp list format with clear titles and descriptions.

Advanced Techniques

Prompt Chaining

Chain function responses back into the conversation:
When user asks about order status:
1. {{function.check_order_status(order_id)}} 
2. Based on the result, provide appropriate response
3. If delayed: {{function.schedule_followup("Order update", "1 day")}}
4. If shipped: {{function.send_tracking_info(user.id, tracking_number)}}

Context Preservation

Maintain context across conversation turns:
Previous context: {{conversation.context}}
Last action taken: {{conversation.last_action}}

Continue the conversation maintaining:
- User's goal: {{user.current_goal}}
- Progress made: {{conversation.progress}}
- Next steps: {{conversation.next_steps}}

Multi-Language Support

Adapt prompts based on user language:
{{#if user.language == "pt-BR"}}
Você é um assistente de atendimento para {{channel.name}}.
Responda sempre em português brasileiro.
{{else if user.language == "es-ES"}}
Eres un asistente de atención al cliente para {{channel.name}}.
Responde siempre en español.
{{else}}
You are a customer service assistant for {{channel.name}}.
Always respond in English.
{{/if}}

Next Steps