OpenAI’s President Greg Brockman Reveals How to Write the Perfect Prompt

Hint: It’s simpler—and more powerful—than you ever imagined.

If you’ve been following the buzz around OpenAI’s latest breakthroughs, you’ve likely heard about the mysterious “o1 prompt.” While it may look like a simple line of code, it’s actually a revolutionary method for tapping into OpenAI’s reasoning models (like “o1” or “o3”)—similar to how other advanced frameworks (like deepseek R1) are taking shape. In this explosive reveal, OpenAI’s President Greg Brockman pulls back the curtain on how to structure prompts for these cutting-edge systems to get hyper-accurate, context-rich responses.

o1 is a different kind of model. great performance requires using it in a new way relative to standard chat models. https://t.co/zpgm5ZV2dJ

— Greg Brockman (@gdb) January 12, 2025

Ready to supercharge your AI interactions? Keep reading to discover how the “o1 prompt” method can dramatically improve the clarity, depth, and consistency of the AI’s output.

Greg Brockman is the President and Co-Founder of OpenAI, playing a key role in the development of cutting-edge AI models like ChatGPT and the latest reasoning models, o1 and o3. As a former CTO of Stripe, he brings deep technical expertise to advancing AI research and its real-world applications.

What Exactly Is an “o1 Prompt”?

Unlike traditional prompts that rely heavily on word associations, o1 prompts are specifically tailored to trigger advanced reasoning in OpenAI’s latest models. This approach ensures the AI not only understands the question but also analysiert it more deeply, providing nuanced, context-aware answers.

Brockman emphasizes that structure and specificity are at the heart of o1 prompts. By guiding the AI through a clear sequence—context, constraints, and desired output—you unlock a level of detail and reasoning that older models simply can’t match.

Prompts for Reasoning Models

According to Brockman, constructing a great o1 prompt comes down to three essential elements:

• Context – Provide the AI with the background information it needs. For instance, if you’re asking for travel recommendations, include details about your location, time constraints, and preferences (like scenic views or difficulty level).
• Instruction – Spell out the task you want the AI to perform, along with any boundaries. If you don’t want irrelevant tangents, say so. If you need bullet points, mention it.
• Output Requirements – Be explicit about the form, style, or tone of the answer. Whether it’s a bullet-point list, a short story, or a step-by-step tutorial—tell the AI exactly what you expect.

A Step-by-Step Guide

Getting useful AI responses isn’t about luck—it’s about writing better prompts. A well-structured prompt can mean the difference between a generic, unhelpful answer and an insightful, to-the-point response.

Greg Brockman, a leading AI expert, suggests a simple but powerful approach:

• Set clear context
• Give specific instructions
• Define the output format
• Include warnings (what to avoid)
• Use a context dump when needed

Following these steps ensures the AI understands exactly what you need and delivers relevant, high-quality results.

1. Start with Clear Context

Give the AI a frame of reference so it understands exactly what you need. If you’re asking for recommendations, specify your situation. If you need marketing ideas, describe your product and audience. The more specific your context, the better the results.

Example:
“I’m looking for the best medium-length hikes within two hours of San Francisco. My girlfriend and I have already done most local SF hikes and want something different. Ocean views and a unique experience are a plus.”

Pro Tip: Include key constraints upfront—like word limits, format preferences, or specific details you want excluded.

2. Provide Specific Instructions

Tell the AI exactly what you want it to do. Should it generate a list, a short summary, or a structured breakdown? Be direct and clear.

Example:
“List the top three hikes. For each, include: the name as it appears on AllTrails, start and end locations, distance, drive time, hike duration, and what makes it unique.”

Avoid vague requests like “Give me some ideas”—this leads to generic results.

3. Define the Output Format

Be explicit about how you want the response structured. Should it be in bullet points? Numbered lists? A conversational tone? This helps shape the AI’s reply to match your expectations.

Example:
“Format the response as a numbered list with short, digestible descriptions. Use a friendly yet informative tone.”

If you want a specific style (e.g., humorous, professional, concise), mention it here.

4. Include Warnings (What to Avoid)

Prevent errors by specifying what not to do. If accuracy matters, ask the AI to double-check details. If you want fact-based responses, tell it to avoid speculation.

Example:
“Make sure all hike names are correct and exist in AllTrails. Avoid common, well-known hikes like Mount Tam. Ensure drive times are accurate.”

AI can sometimes generate incorrect or misleading information—this step helps reduce misinformation.

5. Use a Context Dump (If Needed)

If your request involves previous experiences, preferences, or special conditions, include that information at the end of your prompt. This helps the AI make better-informed decisions.

Example:
“For context, my girlfriend and I hike a lot and have done most SF trails already. We love hikes that end with good food and prefer something unique, with ocean views if possible. We won’t see each other for a few weeks, so this adventure matters a lot to us.”

Use this when asking for recommendations, strategic advice, or anything that benefits from extra background details.

Example of a Well-Written Prompt

Instead of:
“What are some good hikes near SF?”

Use something like this:

Prompt Example:
“List the top three lesser-known medium-length hikes within two hours of San Francisco. For each hike, include the name as listed on AllTrails, start and end locations, distance, drive time, duration, and a unique feature.

Make sure all trail names are correct and exist. Avoid well-known hikes like Mount Tam. Ensure drive times are accurate.

Format the response as a numbered list with short descriptions. Use a friendly and informative tone.

For context, my girlfriend and I hike often and prefer unique trails with ocean views. We love hikes that end with great food. We won’t see each other for a few weeks, so this adventure is special.”

This approach ensures clarity, specificity, and structured output, leading to better AI responses every time.

Why Brockman’s Method Works

AI models like ChatGPT thrive on well-structured prompts. When you break down your request into clear, logical segments (context → instructions → output format), you’re effectively giving the model a roadmap. The less guesswork involved, the more accurate and helpful the AI can be.

Moreover, Brockman’s approach reduces “hallucinations” (when the AI makes things up). By defining what you need and how you want it, you limit the model’s tendency to fill in gaps with irrelevant or incorrect details.

Real-World Examples

• Business & Marketing
  Old Prompt: “Give me some marketing ideas.”
  o1 Prompt: “You are a marketing consultant for a tech startup launching a new fitness app. Provide three innovative campaign ideas with target demographics, a brief budget estimate, and potential ROI. Format your answer in bullet points.”
• Education & E-Learning
  Old Prompt: “Explain photosynthesis.”
  o1 Prompt: “Act as a middle-school science teacher preparing a 10-minute lesson on photosynthesis. Include a simple experiment students can do at home, three key vocabulary words, and a 5-question quiz at the end. Keep the tone friendly and age-appropriate.”
• Creative Writing
  Old Prompt: “Write a short story about dragons.”
  o1 Prompt: “Write a 300-word short story set in a futuristic city, featuring dragons that coexist with humans. Focus on the emotional tension between humans and dragons. Conclude with a cliffhanger.”

In each case, the o1 prompt transforms a generic request into a precise, context-rich instruction—leading to drastically better results.

A Few More Quick Tips

• Be Specific: Use numbers, time frames, word counts—anything that clarifies what you want.
• Use Action Verbs: Words like “explain,” “list,” “summarize,” and “analyze” sharpen your instructions.
• Include Format Requirements: Want bullet points, paragraphs, or headings? Spell it out!
• Offer a Style or Tone: Friendly, professional, casual—choose a voice that fits your goal.
• Revise and Refine: AI prompts often improve with iteration. Tweak and re-ask if the result isn’t perfect.

Brockman often hints at the importance of iterating on your prompt. Even the best prompt might need small tweaks. Each interaction gives you feedback on what works and what doesn’t. If the AI’s answer misses the mark, adjust your instructions and try again. Over time, you’ll develop an instinct for precisely how to phrase your requests for the best results.

Schlussfolgerung

Greg Brockman’s “o1 Prompt” revelation has opened the floodgates to a new era of AI communication. By following his formula—Context → Instructions → Output—you can drastically increase the usefulness, clarity, and quality of your AI’s responses. Whether you’re a student, a business professional, or a creative writer, this method is your golden ticket to harnessing AI’s full potential.

So the next time you’re about to type a question into ChatGPT, remember: you’re just one perfectly structured prompt away from unlocking an answer that could change everything.