Overview
To get the most detailed and tailored output from Harvey, it’s essential to include the right mix of “request,” “context,” and “output” in your prompt. This article provides tips and best practices to help you use Harvey effectively.
How Prompts Work
Harvey performs best when given clear, task-specific instructions in natural language. Think of Harvey as a junior colleague who needs precise directions and relevant context.
A successful prompt includes three key components:
Request: Use clear, specific language to phrase your prompt as a question or request.
Example: Summarize the interim covenants…
Example: Analyze the assignment clause…
Example: Draft a memo…
Context: Provide background to help Harvey understand your request.
What document have you uploaded?
Who is your intended audience?
What key issues should be addressed?
Output: Specify the desired format and style of the response.
Example: …in a table
Example: …as a bulleted or numbered list
Example: …as a memo
How to Craft Your Prompt
Upload Supporting Documents: Uploading documents helps ground Harvey and reduces the risk of hallucinations (AI-generated incorrect or misleading information). Be aware that Harvey may not always provide citations, especially when:
Multiple sources are referenced
There are too many valid sources
The information is inferred as a general concept from the document
Avoid Referencing Pages or Document Numbers: Harvey may not interpret documents and pages as you do. Instead, refer to sections or document names.
Include Sufficient Information in Your Prompt: Be specific and detailed, specifying the desired output format (e.g., structure the response as a memo with subheadings).
Consider Breaking Up Complex Prompts: Simpler queries often yield better responses. When dealing with large datasets or complex questions, break your prompt into multiple parts to allow Harvey to focus on one task at a time.
Assist mode: Use follow-up questions instead of multi-part prompts.
Draft mode: Break up complex prompts into multiple queries, or reivisons, to ensure thorough responses. Think of it as marking up the document with a pen. Revisions should be tethered to the first draft.
Be Mindful of Output Length: Harvey cannot generate a specified number of pages. Instead of asking for a “10-page summary,” guide Harvey by requesting a “thorough” or “detailed” output for longer responses, and use “brief” or “concise” for shorter ones.
Examples
Draft Mode: Summarization |
Draft Mode: Using Revisions with two types of revisions: Targeted vs. Global |
Draft Mode: Precedent-Based Drafting |
Assist Mode: Dividing Queries with Follow-ups |
Draft Mode: Draft Officer’s Certificate |
General Prompt Example |
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