Most people use ChatGPT in a very basic way: short, vague prompts that get short, vague answers. But ChatGPT-5 can do far more if you know how to ask the right questions. Instead of simply telling it to make a plan or summarize this text, you can unlock an "expert mode" that makes the AI behave like a seasoned professional.
This trick doesn't rely on a hidden setting buried in the app. It's a specific prompt structure that changes how ChatGPT responds. The difference is immediately noticeable when you try it. Where ChatGPT could give you broad, surface-level advice, this prompt technique produces detailed responses that demonstrate deep understanding of your specific situation. It's the same AI, but the quality of output becomes dramatically more useful and professional. Here's how to use it and why it works so well.
1. Copy the expert mode prompt
Start by logging into ChatGPT and pasting in the following prompt:
"You are an expert [role] with 20 years of experience in [field]. Your task is to [specific goal]. Ask me three clarifying questions before answering. Once I've answered the questions, provide me with a step-by-step solution as if you were explaining it to a beginner. Finish with one actionable takeaway.
Replace the role and goal with what you want, such as a personal trainer, nutritionist, or financial planner. Once you've done this, hit the arrow to generate a response.
2. Answer the clarifying questions
Instead of jumping straight to a response, ChatGPT-5 will now pause and ask you three questions. These might be about your fitness level, your budget, or your schedule — depending on the role you set.
Answer the questions and hit the arrow again. Answering these questions makes the final response far more personal and useful than if you’d just asked it to "write a plan."
3. Get a step-by-step expert answer
Once you’ve answered, ChatGPT-5 will provide you with a structured solution written in plain language. It reads less like a chatbot and more like the advice of a real professional.
You’ll end with one clear takeaway that you can act on right away, whether that’s starting a new workout or making a small financial change.
Why this works
This prompt works because it combines three powerful elements: role assignment, clarifying questions and structured output. Giving ChatGPT a specific persona with years of experience helps it stay focused and adopt the mindset of someone who actually knows the field inside and out.
The step-by-step format is equally important because it forces the AI to break down complex problems into manageable pieces. Instead of overwhelming you with a wall of text or abstract theories, you get practical, actionable steps that feel like they're coming from someone who's solved this problem hundreds of times before.
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