"Secret code" prompts to boost ChatGPT

Unlocking ChatGPT's Hidden Potential: Secret Code Prompts and Advanced Techniques

ChatGPT is way more powerful than most people know. Beyond basic questions, a set of "secret code" prompts can dramatically improve its responses—making complex topics simple, fixing tone, and even forcing deeper thinking. These techniques are getting popular with power users, with searches like "ChatGPT secret prompts 2025" and "AI prompt hacks" jumping by 200% this year.

Here's how to use these codes, plus advanced strategies to get the most out of ChatGPT.

Top 5 Secret Code Prompts

1. ELI5 / ELI10 (Explain Like I'm 5/10)

   • Makes complex topics simple for beginners.

   • Example: "ELI5 quantum computing" gives you a kid-friendly explanation, while "ELI10" adds a bit more detail.

2. TL;DR (Too Long; Didn't Read)

   • Turns long text into quick summaries. Just paste an article and add "TL;DR" for the main points.

   • Pro tip: Combine with "Humanize" for a more natural-sounding summary.

3. Jargonize

   • Takes casual writing and makes it sound professional. Perfect for LinkedIn posts or reports.

   • Example: "Jargonize: How Wi-Fi works"

4. Humanize

   • Gets rid of that robotic AI tone. Use "Humanize but keep it professional" for emails or marketing copy.

5. LISTIFY

   • Turns dense information into easy bullet points. Great for presentations or social media.

Advanced Prompt Engineering Techniques

1. Force Critical Thinking

   • Use: "Think before you answer. Plan silently, verify facts, then respond."

   • Makes ChatGPT analyze more deeply and reduce mistakes.

2. Self-Debate Mode

   • Prompt: "Debate yourself on [topic]. Cite sources for both sides."

   • Gets you balanced arguments for essays or decision-making.

3. Structured Breakdowns

   • Example: "Explain [topic] with subheadings for history, current state, and future trends."

   • Perfect for research or reports.

4. Step-by-Step Guides

   • "List steps for [task], noting common pitfalls."

   • Adds practical warnings (like "Avoid cold water when proofing yeast" for baking).

5. Parameter Tuning (For Developers)

   • Adjust AI behavior with hidden API parameters like:

     • temp: 0.7 (controls creativity)

     • max_tokens: 100 (limits response length)

     • top_p: 0.8 (balances randomness)

Why These Work

These prompts act as shortcuts to ChatGPT's hidden abilities. For example:

• ELI5 triggers the model's ability to simplify without extra instructions.

• Think before you answer uses its reasoning tools (like code interpreter).

• Parameter tuning (like temperature) directly changes output creativity.

Pro Tip: Combine codes for better results—like "Humanize this TL;DR summary of [article]".

Final Note: While these codes boost efficiency, always double-check outputs—ChatGPT can still make up facts.