Many users have noticed a drop in quality in the responses of ChatGPT-5 Compared to previous versions, unstructured responses don't always guarantee optimal results.
For this reason, it is essential to adopt a new approach to writing prompts. OpenAI has released the official guide GPT-5 Prompting Guide, designed to improve outputs.
This guide is broad and technical, aimed primarily at API developers. However, there are 5 key techniques which you can also use via the ChatGPT web interface.
The 5 Fundamental Techniques for Prompt Optimization
To get the most out of GPT-5, you need to force the model to think before answering. Here are the techniques of advanced prompting that transform the experience with AI.
1. Planning Before Action (Plan Rule)
With the Plan Rule ask ChatGPT to create a concise action plan before answering.
For example: a 3-7 point checklist of the necessary steps.
This method simulates a search and returns the answer more structured and coherent.
2. Post-Action Validation
There Post Action Validation introduces a phase of self-criticism.
After generating content, ChatGPT must review and validate each phase, checking whether the objectives are met.
The result is a internal quality control which reduces errors and improves the draft.
3. Early Stop Criteria
With this technique, GPT-5 is instructed to stop if key data is missing.
Instead of inventing answers, AI will ask for clarification.
In this way it acts as a “devil's advocate”, stimulating more critical and accurate reasoning.
4. Reasoning Effort Management
The reasoning level of ChatGPT-5 is controllable.
You can specify “low”, “medium” or “high” depending on the complexity of the task.
With high, the model reflects longer (20-40 seconds), producing more output deep and detailed.
5. Verbosity Level Control
The parameter verbosity level establishes the length of response.
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- Low: concise and direct answers.
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- Medium: balance between clarity and detail.
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- High: complete answers, with introduction, insights and conclusions.
Thanks to this technique, you can adapt the AI to your working style.
An Automatic Helper: The Promptizer
OpenAI provides a free tool called Promptimizer.
Enter a simple prompt and get a automatically optimized version.
However, to really make the most of AI it is essential understand the logic behind these techniques, so as to become autonomous and aware.
Summary of Advanced Techniques
Using these techniques together ensures that GPT-5 always works at its maximum capacity.
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- Plan Rule: forces AI to plan before acting.
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- Post Validation: requires critical review of the output.
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- Early Stop: allows AI to ask for clarification.
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- Reasoning Effort: check the depth of thought.
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- Verbosity Level: defines the length and detail of the responses.
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