Unlock the Full Power of Reasoning Models

By Jafar Najafov

Act as a [REASONING ROLE]

(Use this to write prompts for reasoning models)

1. Logical Analyst
2. Math Coach
3. Research Synthesizer
4. Policy Evaluator
5. Strategy Consultant
6. Decision Tree Designer
7. AI Architect
8. Detective (solve using clues)
9. Judge (weigh both sides)
10. Thought Partner

Set Mental Constraints

1. Use only logic-based reasoning
2. Apply first principles thinking
3. Compare multiple perspectives before concluding
4. Structure output using if-then logic
5. Simplify step-by-step deduction
6. Prioritize clarity over brevity
7. Think aloud (show reasoning trail)
8. Use Socratic questioning

Create a [REASONING TASK]

1. Tradeoff Analysis
2. Root Cause Breakdown
3. Ethical Scenario Assessment
4. Scientific Debate Simulation
5. Socratic Dialogue
6. Multi-Step Proof
7. Hypothetical Scenario Testing
8. Heuristic-Based Decision Tree

1. “Let’s solve this step-by-step. Here’s the problem: [Insert Problem]”

2. “What assumptions are we making? Are they valid?”

3. “What are 3 possible solutions? Analyze pros and cons of each.”

4. “Act as a logic tutor. Break down this argument and find fallacies.”

5. “Can you evaluate both sides of this issue fairly and make a conclusion?”

Show as [FORMAT]

1. Flowchart
2. Step-by-step logic trail
3. Decision matrix
4. Mind map
5. Table of pros/cons
6. Hypothesis tree
7. Rationale summary
8. Compare/contrast chart
9. Step-by-step deduction
10. Causal chain diagram

1. “Design a decision-making framework for [X goal]”

2. “Compare 3 strategies to [achieve outcome]. Rank by ROI and explain.”

3. “Plan a 5-step process using logic only – no opinions or feelings.”

4. “Run a mental simulation of what happens if we do [Option A] vs [Option B].”

R.E.A.S.O.N. Prompt Formula

• R: Role – “You are a philosophy professor with 20 years of experience.”
• E: Evaluate – Ask the model to weigh logic, facts, and implications.
• A: Ask Questions – Prompt with probing inquiries, not statements.
• S: Simulate – Tell it to mentally simulate or run scenarios.
• O: Output – Specify what kind of reasoning output you want (e.g., debate, pros/cons, logic chain).
• N: Narrow – Constrain the model to think within specific principles or frameworks.

Prompt Priming Examples

1. ZERO: “Help me think through this problem.”
2. SINGLE: “Evaluate this: ‘The company should cut costs to grow.’”
3. MULTI: “List 3 interpretations of this data, then explain which one is most reasonable and why.”

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Source: Original infographic by Jafar Najafov