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