The Core Problem

GPT-5 = Speedboat with Big Rudder

• Extremely powerful but requires hard steering
• Makes things up when given vague prompts
• Needs expert-level instructions despite being marketed to non-experts

What Makes GPT-5 Different

1. Multiple models - Router decides which model to use based on your prompt structure
2. Precision tax - Contradictory instructions burn tokens/cost/time
3. Agentic bias - Desperately wants to complete missions, not have conversations
4. Expertise paradox - Works best with expert instructions but marketed to everyone

The Metaprompt Solution

Basic Metaprompt Template:

Transform my request into a structured brief, then execute it.

First, interpret what I'm asking:
- What type of output would help me?
- What expertise is relevant?
- What format would be useful?
- What level of detail?

Then execute as:
- A specific role (infer appropriate expertise)
- A specific objective (make my vague request more specific)
- An approach (choose methodology that fits)
- An output (deliver in useful format)

7 Prompting Principles

1. Structure affects routing - Headers, bullets, output format determine which model gets called
2. Explicitly prioritize tension - When goals conflict, say "Primary goal: X. Secondary: Y. When in doubt, prioritize X"
3. Depth ≠ length - Specify both reasoning depth AND response length separately
4. Define uncertainty protocols - Tell it what to do when stuck/ambiguous/lacking data
5. Be explicit about tool use - Say "First search web, then analyze data this way"
6. Context memory is limited - Built for 1-2 turn conversations; restate instructions in long threads
7. Structure beats intelligence - Give methodologies + goals, not just "think hard"

7 Components of Effective Prompts

1. Role - Define expertise needed (for routing, not roleplay)
2. Objective - Clear goal/mission
3. Process - Step-by-step methodology
4. Format - Explicit output expectations
5. Boundaries - What NOT to do (anti-goals)
6. Priorities - How to resolve conflicts between goals
7. Validation - How to check its own work

When NOT to Use Metaprompts

• Simple factual queries
• Exploratory conversations
• Personal/emotional discussions
• When using other models (Claude handles emotion better)

Key Insight

Casual conversational prompting is over. GPT-5 demands systematic, precise prompting. Metaprompts provide "power steering" to make this manageable without becoming a prompt engineering expert.

Follow @godofprompt for more AI tips & tricks.