GPT 5 Prompt Guide
How is GPT 5 different?
GPT-5 is built with enhanced agentic behavior and advanced API features to handle tasks with more depth and independence than before.
Unlike earlier models, GPT-5 is naturally more thorough and precise in following instructions, even across long and complex workflows. It can also flexibly adjust its level of autonomy making it capable of making high-level decisions when things are ambiguous, or following tightly guided, step-by-step instructions when needed.
That means your prompts just need clarity, structure, and to be well thought out. By combining the Prompt Optimizer, meta prompting techniques, and API parameter tuning, users, especially developers, can unlock precise, efficient, and agentic task execution.
Once you discover how GPT-5 works best, you’ll unlock more value and capability from it than you ever imagined.
Table of Contents
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
First, outline the steps for solving this issue.
Now, implement the code.
Run test cases and explain if any fail.
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?
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