I love using ChatGPT to summarize cloud billing reports, but sometimes it's like pulling teeth to get a concise answer. I'll ask something like, "List the top 5 cost drivers in this AWS Cost Explorer export," and I get back three paragraphs of preamble and explanations I didn't ask for. It's helpful context sometimes, but when I'm in a hurry, I need the data, not the lecture.
I've found a few prompting tricks that help, but I'm curious what others in the community have figured out. My current approach is to be *very* directive at the start of my prompt.
For example, this works decently:
```
You are a FinOps analyst. Format all responses with bullet points.
Do not use introductory or concluding paragraphs.
Question: What are the three most common causes of Azure cost overruns?
```
But it's not 100% reliable. Sometimes it still slips in a "Sure, I'd be happy to help!" before the bullets.
Has anyone found a more consistent method or a specific instruction that works every time? I'm thinking about system prompts or custom instructions, but I haven't dialed it in yet.
What I've tried:
* Starting prompts with "In bullet points:"
* Adding "Be concise."
* Using numbered lists instead of bullets (sometimes shorter, but not always).
Is there a known syntax or command that forces this behavior? I'd love to have a go-to template for cost analysis queries that just spits out the facts.