10 Tips for Asking ChatGPT the Perfect Questions!

There’s a reason 400,000 professionals read this daily.

Join The AI Report, trusted by 400,000+ professionals at Google, Microsoft, and OpenAI. Get daily insights, tools, and strategies to master practical AI skills that drive results.

Sign up now for free and work smarter, not harder.

Reading time: 3 minutes because you’re above average if you read this newsletter 😉 

Yo, AI enthusiasts and question-asking ninjas!

JOSH HERE, and I'm about to drop some knowledge bombs on how to squeeze the juiciest answers out of AI like you're wringing out a digital orange. Buckle up, 'cause we're diving into the art of AI interrogation!

Listen up, folks. Asking AI the right questions is like being a smooth-talking detective. You gotta know how to sweet-talk that silicon brain into spilling the goods. So, let's break it down with the top 10 ways to get AI to sing like a canary:

1. Be specific AF: Don't just ask "What's the weather?" That's like asking for directions to "somewhere nice." Instead, hit the AI with "What's the temperature, humidity, and chance of rain in New York City tomorrow between 2 PM and 6 PM?" The more details you give, the more precise your answer will be. It's like giving the AI a treasure map instead of a vague "X marks the spot."

2. One at a time, please: Break down complex questions like you're eating an elephant - one bite at a time. Instead of asking "How do I start a successful tech business, market it globally, and become a billionaire?" try "What are the first three steps to start a tech business?" Then follow up with "What are effective marketing strategies for new tech startups?" and "What traits do successful tech entrepreneurs share?" It's like building a Lego masterpiece - one brick at a time.

3. Context is king: Give the AI some background, like you're catching up an old friend. Say "I'm a 16-year-old high school student interested in computer science. What programming language should I learn first and why?" instead of just "What programming language should I learn?" The more context you provide, the more tailored your answer will be. It's like giving the AI a pair of glasses to see your situation clearly.

4. Use your words, kid: Stick to simple language. AI isn't your English teacher - it doesn't give extra credit for big words. Instead of saying "What are the most efficacious methodologies for enhancing one's cognitive capabilities?" try "What are the best ways to improve memory?" It's like talking to a smart friend, not reciting a dictionary.

5. Who, what, when, where, why: Use these question starters to get detailed answers. "Who invented the smartphone?" "What features define a smartphone?" "When did smartphones become popular?" "Where are most smartphones manufactured?" "Why have smartphones become so essential?" It's like being a journalist - get all the angles!

6. Get personal: Ask the AI to pretend it's an expert. Try "As an experienced psychologist, what advice would you give to someone dealing with social anxiety?" This trick can give you more nuanced, professional-sounding answers. It's like having a whole panel of experts at your fingertips!

7. Be direct: Don't beat around the bush. If you want a list, say "List 7 effective exercises for burning belly fat." If you need steps, ask "What are the step-by-step instructions for changing a car tire?" It's like using a GPS - tell it exactly where you want to go.

8. Follow up like a boss: If the answer isn't quite right, don't be shy about asking for more. Try "Can you explain that in simpler terms?" or "Can you give me a real-world example of this concept?" or "How would this apply to someone in their 20s?" It's like peeling an onion - keep going until you get to the core of what you need.

9. Set the stage: Tell the AI what kind of answer you want. "In a 200-word paragraph, explain the basics of quantum computing for a high school student." or "Create a rhyming poem about the water cycle." This helps the AI format its response to exactly what you need. It's like being a movie director - set the scene for your AI actor.

10. Get creative: Ask for comparisons or analogies. "How is managing a team like conducting an orchestra?" or "Explain blockchain technology as if you're talking to a time traveler from the 1800s." This can give you fresh perspectives and make complex topics easier to understand. It's like looking at the world through a kaleidoscope - same info, but way cooler patterns!

Remember, folks, asking AI questions is like being a master chef - you gotta know how to mix the right ingredients to get a five-star meal. Play around with these tips, and soon you'll be dropping knowledge bombs like a pro.

Now go forth and interrogate those AIs like they owe you money! And remember, in the world of AI, there are no dumb questions - just dumb ways of asking them. So get smart with your queries, and watch the magic happen!

Stay curious, stay savvy, and keep those questions flowing!

Enjoy the rest of your week - Josh

PS If you are looking for more cool AI tools check out the AI tools report linked above.