Steer GPT-5.5 Thinking Mid-Response for Perfect Alignment
Correct the model's logic before it generates the final answer.
Monitor the 'Thinking' process in real-time and provide mid-response instructions to refine the model's plan before it produces the final output.
The Scenario
You are asking the model to perform a deep web research task and formulate a 10-page report. You notice in the initial 'thinking' plan that it is focusing on the wrong industry sector.
Before & after
Previously, users had to wait for a full response to finish (30–60 seconds) before realized it missed the mark, then prompt again, totaling 5–10 minutes of back-and-forth.
You can now intervene while the model is reasoning, providing mid-course corrections. This allows you to finalize a perfect plan in 2–3 minutes without waiting for a full, incorrect response.
The Prompt
[DESCRIBE_COMPLEX_TASK]. While the model is thinking and outlining its plan, if you see it going off track, type: 'Adjust the plan to focus more on [SPECIFIC_NEED] and skip the section on [UNNECESSARY_DETAIL].'
GPT-5.4/5.5 Thinking models allow for dynamic interaction. Instead of being a passive observer during the 'thinking' phase, you can see the plan forming and steer it if the model misunderstands your initial intent.
Source
Model Release Notes | OpenAI Help Center"GPT‑5.4 Thinking can now provide an upfront plan of its thinking, so you can adjust course mid-response while it’s working."