# Llama Models Prompt Guide

**Table of Contents**

1. [Be Explicit and Direct](#id-1.-be-explicit-and-direct)
2. [Assign a Role](#id-2.-assign-a-role)
3. [Ask for Step-by-Step Reasoning](#id-3.-ask-for-step-by-step-reasoning)
4. [Use Few-Shot Examples](#id-4.-use-few-shot-examples)
5. [Constrain Outputs](#id-5.-constrain-outputs)
6. [Maintain Multi-Turn Consistency](#id-6.-maintain-multi-turn-consistency)
7. [Improve Reliability with Sampling](#id-7.-improve-reliability-with-sampling)
8. [Practical Prompt Templates by Use Cases](#id-8.-practical-prompt-templates-by-use-case)

***

### 1. Be Explicit and Direct

Say exactly what you want: **length, format, tone**. Avoid vague instructions.

**Less effective:**

```
Summarize this report
```

**More effective:**

```
Summarize this report into 3 bullet points, under 15 words each, highlighting decisions and deadlines.
```

***

### 2. Assign a Role

Set Llama’s perspective by giving it a role. This shapes style and tone.

**Example:**

```
You are a financial analyst. Provide concise, professional reports in plain English.
```

***

### 3. Ask for Step-by-Step Reasoning

Encourage Llama to **show its work** when reasoning matters.

**Example:**

```
Solve this math problem. Show your reasoning step by step before giving the final answer.
```

***

### 4. Use Few-Shot Examples

Demonstrate the format you want by showing Llama short examples.

```
User: Translate English to French.
English: "Good morning"
French: "Bonjour"

Output:
English: "How are you?"
French: "Comment ça va?"
```

***

### 5. Constrain Outputs

If you need structured data, specify the format (JSON, CSV, table, bullets).

**Example:**

```
Summarize this meeting into JSON with fields: decisions, next_steps, owners
```

**Output:**

```json
{
  "decisions": "Budget approved",
  "next_steps": "Launch campaign",
  "owners": "Marketing team"
}
```

***

### 6. Maintain Multi-Turn Consistency

If conversations run long, remind Llama of prior rules.

**Example:**

```
Remember to always answer in JSON format
```

***

### 7. Improve Reliability with Sampling

For tasks requiring correctness, run multiple outputs and compare.

**Example:**

```
Run Llama 5 times on this reasoning task. Choose the most common answer.
```

***

### 8. Prompt Templates by Use Case

**General Task Template**

```
You are a project manager.
Summarize this meeting transcript into 5 bullet points, under 15 words each.
Context: This will be shared with the executive team.
Constraints: Only include decisions and deadlines.
Output:
• Budget increase approved
• Deadline extended to Q4
• Hiring 3 new engineers
• Product beta launch in June
• Next review set for July 15
```

**Few-Shot Template -** Best for translation or classification tasks.

```
User: Translate English to French. Follow the examples below and keep answers short and accurate.

English: "Good morning"
French: "Bonjour"

English: "How are you?"
French: "Comment ça va ?"

English: "See you tomorrow"
French:
Output: "À demain"
```

**Analyze a Dataset**

```
Role: You are a data analyst.
Task: Summarize this dataset into concise business insights.
Context: Results will be presented in a leadership sync; clarity and brevity are key.
Constraints:
• Max 100 words
• Use 3 bullet points only
• Avoid numbers with decimals or complex terms

Output Example:
• Sales rose in Q3 due to strong repeat customers  
• Costs stabilized after Q2 vendor negotiations  
• Recommend focusing on B2B accounts for sustained growth

Tip: For numeric output, specify “Round all figures to whole numbers.”
```

**Summarize Emails and Next Steps**

```
Role: You are an executive assistant.
Task: Summarize this email thread and list next steps.
Context: Output will be pasted into a meeting note document.
Constraints:
• Limit summary to 3 sentences
• Use bullet format for next steps
• No filler language (“hope this helps,” etc.)

Output Example:
Summary:
The team confirmed the project scope and timeline changes.  
Next Steps:
• Update the client on final delivery date  
• Prepare revised timeline by Monday  
• Confirm approval from finance


Tip: Add “Use plain English, avoid internal jargon.”
```

***

### Final Tip

With Llama, **clarity plus examples = reliability**. Spell out roles, steps, and formats, and you’ll get consistent, structured outputs.

{% hint style="info" %}
*Learn more about Llama Prompt Engineering in the official* [*Prompting Guide*](https://www.llama.com/docs/how-to-guides/prompting/) *and the* [*Llama 4 Prompt Format reference*](https://www.llama.com/docs/model-cards-and-prompt-formats/llama4/)
{% endhint %}