GPT Models Prompt Guide

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Table of Contents

1. Define the Role

2. Be Specific with Tasks

3. Provide Context

4. Specify the Format

5. Calibrate Agentic Behavior

6. Use Tool Preambles

7. Optimize Coding Prompts

8. Control Instruction Following

9. Encourage Reflection

10. Practical Prompt Templates by Use Case

11. Checklist Before Sending a Prompt

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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?

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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. For multi-tables: Include a stable ID (filename, contract title, page range)