Ask ChatGPT the same thing and some days you get exactly the right answer, other days just a long one. The difference usually comes from the one line you add at the end of your question. Tell it the shape of the answer you want, the options to choose from, how deeply to think or how to split the work, and the answer gets much sharper. This post is the companion guide to the Sol AI card news "5 commands that change ChatGPT's answers."
Command 1: "3-line summary first, then the details"
The third step in the guide's process for writing good prompts is describing the shape of the result you want. It says defining the role, audience and format gives the most accurate and useful answer. The guide's own example is "write it as a formal executive summary."
Write a 3-line summary of this meeting first, then the details. The reader is my team lead.
Command 2: "Put it in a table"
The guide says to set the tone and shape of the answer, noting that if you name a structured format such as a table, outline or JSON, it will produce it. Content that splits into columns, like comparisons or schedules, is much easier to read as a table. Naming the columns makes it even more precise.
Put the three options in a table with the columns "Option | Pros | Cons | Time needed."
Command 3: "Give me two options"
With only one answer, you can't tell whether it's good. The guide also says if you want options, just say so, using "suggest two ways to present this report" as an example.
Rewrite this notice in two ways: one short and formal, one friendly.
Command 4: "Think carefully before you answer"
The guide says to tell it what matters most: accuracy, creativity or speed. If you want it to think more deeply before answering, it suggests asking directly with words like "think deeper" or "think carefully." This is useful for tasks where mistakes are costly, such as reviewing numbers or making plans.
Accuracy matters more than speed. Think carefully before you answer, and mark anything you're unsure about.
Command 5: "One step at a time"
The guide's first tip is to split requests with many parts. That keeps answers clear and focused. Checking each step before moving on, instead of asking for everything at once, also means fewer fixes.
Let's build the report one step at a time. Step 1: show me only the outline. Once I approve it, write the body in step 2.
All on one page
| When | Line to add |
|---|---|
| The answer is too long | 3-line summary first, then the details |
| Comparisons, schedules | Put it in a table |
| One answer isn't enough | Give me two options |
| Mistakes would be costly | Think carefully before you answer |
| There's a lot to do | One step at a time |
- You can combine commands, such as "in a table, with two options"
- Check your company's policy before entering confidential or customer information
- Compare numbers and dates with the original once more
References
- OpenAI Academy, Prompting: https://academy.openai.com/public/resources/prompting
- OpenAI developer docs, Prompt engineering: https://platform.openai.com/docs/guides/prompt-engineering
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