# GPT Models Prompt Guide *** **Table of Contents** 1. [Define the Role](#id-1.-define-the-role) 2. [Be Specific with Tasks](#id-2.-be-specific-with-tasks) 3. [Provide Context](#id-3.-provide-context) 4. [Specify the Format](#id-4.-specify-the-format) 5. [Calibrate Agentic Behavior](#id-5.-calibrate-agentic-behavior) 6. [Use Tool Preambles](#id-6.-use-tool-preambles) 7. [Optimize Coding Prompts](#id-7.-optimize-coding-prompts) 8. [Control Instruction Following](#id-8.-control-instruction-following) 9. [Encourage Reflection](#id-9.-encourage-reflection) 10. [Practical Prompt Templates by Use Case](#id-10.-practical-prompt-templates-by-use-case) 11. [Checklist Before Sending a Prompt](#id-11.-checklist-before-sending-a-prompt) *** ### 1. Define the Role Give GPT-5 a clear persona so it knows how to respond. **Example Prompt** ``` You are an expert market analyst. Summarize key AI trends for Q3 2025. Why: This will be used in a client pitch deck for non-technical executives. Keep it simple and clear. Format: 5 concise bullet points, max 15 words each. Constraints: No jargon, no speculative predictions. Reflection: Think about which trends matter most for enterprise clients before writing. ``` *** ### 2. Be Specific with Tasks Use action verbs and constraints so GPT-5 knows what “done” looks like. **Example Prompt** ``` Summarize this meeting into 5 bullets highlighting decisions, owners, and deadlines. ``` *** ### 3. Provide Context Tell GPT-5 *why* the task matters and who it’s for. **Example Prompt** ``` This outline will be used for a pitch deck aimed at non-technical investors. Keep the language simple. ``` *** ### 4. Specify the Format Be clear about the shape of the answer you want. **Example Prompts** ``` Output as a JSON object with keys "task", "deadline", and "owner." ``` ``` Limit to 3 bullet points, 20 words each. ``` *** ### 5. Calibrate Agentic Behavior GPT-5 can act autonomously with tools. You decide how much initiative it should take. **Constrained Prompt** ``` Only use a calculator if strictly necessary. ``` **Expansive Prompt** ``` Plan and execute using all available tools until the problem is solved. ``` *** ### 6. Use Tool Preambles Ask GPT-5 to show its plan before it acts. This makes it predictable. **Example Prompt** ``` Before using any tools, describe your plan in 2 steps. Then proceed. ``` *** ### 7. Optimize Coding Prompts Break coding tasks into steps: plan → implement → test → refine. **Example Workflow** 1. First, outline the steps for solving this issue. 2. Now, implement the code. 3. Run test cases and explain if any fail. 4. Refactor for readability and efficiency. *** ### 8. Control Instruction Following Be explicit about rules, limits, and edge cases. **Example Prompts** ``` Answer only with code, no explanations. ``` ``` Stop after 3 iterations of tool use. ``` ``` If input is incomplete, ask clarifying questions first. ``` *** ### 9. Encourage Reflection GPT-5 performs best when it pauses to think. **Example Prompt** ``` Think step-by-step. Before answering, reflect on potential pitfalls and explain your reasoning briefly. ``` *** ### 10. Practical Prompt Templates by Use Case **General Task Prompt** ``` Role: You are [persona/role]. Task: [Action verb + goal]. Context: [Why this matters, who it’s for]. Format: [How the output should look]. Constraints: [Length, tone, what to avoid]. ``` **Analyze a Dataset** ``` Role: You are a data analyst. Task: Analyze this dataset and summarize key business insights. Context: This analysis will be shared in an executive review to highlight recent performance and anomalies. Format: 1. 1-sentence overview of overall trend 2. 3 key insights (bullet points) 3. 2 recommended actions Constraints: Avoid technical jargon. Keep insights concise and executive-friendly. Reflection: Think about which insights would drive real business decisions before you start writing. ``` **Summarize Emails and Recommend Next Steps** ``` Role: You are an operations coordinator. Task: Summarize this email thread and identify clear next steps. Context: This summary will be shared with management to keep them updated on decisions and follow-ups. Format: 1. Summary: Main discussion points 2. Decisions: Agreements or outcomes 3. Next Steps: Tasks with owners and deadlines 4. Status: 1-line overview (e.g., “Awaiting confirmation from client”) Constraints: Neutral tone, no assumptions, only factual next steps. Reflection: Identify who is responsible for what, and highlight any blockers or dependencies. ``` **Coding Workflow Prompt** ``` Role: You are a senior Python developer. Task: Debug this function and ensure it passes tests. Steps: 1. Plan the fix in plain English. 2. Write the corrected code. 3. Run 3 test cases. 4. If any fail, explain and retry once. Format: Provide final code only, in a single code block. ``` *** ### 11. Checklist Before Sending a Prompt * Did I assign GPT-5 a clear role? * Is the task verb-driven and specific? * Did I give context (audience, purpose)? * Is the format defined (bullets, JSON, table, code)? * Did I control behavior (constraints, stop conditions, tool use)? * Do I want GPT-5 to reflect before answering? *** ### 12. GPT 5.2 Tips 1. **Prevent scope drift aggressively**: add explicit “EXACTLY and ONLY what the user requested” constraints; forbid extra features/styling/tokens (especially frontend/UX) 2. **Force summarization & re-grounding:** GPT 5.2 benefits with this especially with long-context tasks to reduce errors and improves recall 3. **Calibrate file extraction**: 1. Provide a schema or JSON shape for the output 2. Distinguish between required and optional fields 3. Ask for “extraction completeness” and handle missing fields explicitly 4. 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