Custom GPTs New Cheat Code: The New Rules for Prompting

In this episode, Brian, Beth, Karl, and Andy explored the new guidelines from OpenAI for creating effective custom GPTs, focusing on the best practices for prompting.

They provided a crash course on custom GPTs, highlighted the importance of refining prompts, and discussed leveraging new features for enhanced functionality.

Key Points Discussed:

Introduction to Custom GPTs:

• Quick overview of what custom GPTs are and their benefits, such as simplifying workflows and storing prompts for easy access.

Prompting Techniques:

• Emphasis on simplifying complex instructions and using "trigger and instruction" methods.


• Importance of breaking down tasks into granular steps and providing detailed, positive instructions.

System 1 vs. System 2 Thinking:

• Discussion on the importance of analytical and deliberate thinking in AI interactions for successful prompting.

Practical Applications and Examples:

• Using custom GPTs in business information systems (BI) to enhance data analysis and decision-making.


• Sharing custom GPTs within organizations to avoid silos and improve efficiency.

Guidelines for Writing Instructions:

• Review of OpenAI's key guidelines, including simplifying instructions, structuring for clarity, promoting attention to detail, using examples, and leveraging knowledge files.