13 Tips for Getting Meaningful Results with ChatGPT

Creating prompts for ChatGPT is like giving directions to a creative partner. The clearer and more thoughtful your instructions, the better the response. This article includes a few ideas to help you write prompts that get the most meaningful results.

1. Know What You Want

Before you type anything, take a second to figure out what you really need. Is it advice, information, creative ideas, or maybe just a little brainstorming help? The more you understand your goal, the easier it is to ask for what you want.

Example:

• Goal: You need fresh ideas for a new project at work.

• Prompt: "Can you suggest 20 creative marketing ideas for a new fitness app that targets busy professionals?" (When brainstorming, I like asking for 20-30 ideas each prompt to help spark lots of ideas while also limiting the amount of time it takes ChatGPT to respond.)

2. Be Clear and Specific

Imagine you're giving instructions to a friend. If you're too vague, they might get confused or go off in the wrong direction. Provide the key details: What’s the situation? Who’s the audience? What tone or style do you need?

Example:

• Prompt: "Can you help me write an email to invite someone to a meeting? Here's what I’m thinking: Greet them, briefly introduce myself, explain why I’d like to meet, and close with a polite sign-off."

3. Ask Open-Ended Questions

Instead of asking questions that only lead to a simple yes or no, try to leave room for a more thoughtful response. Think of it like starting a conversation, not just checking a box.

Example:

• Closed Question: "Is the sky blue?" (boring)

• Open Question: "How does the color of the sky change throughout the day and why?" (hmm...could be interesting!)

4. Show What You Mean with Examples

Sometimes showing is easier than telling. If you have a specific way you want something done, give an example or suggest a structure to follow. It’s like saying, “Here’s the kind of thing I’m thinking of.”

Example:

• Prompt: "Create a beginner workout plan for someone new to fitness. Start with a warm-up (e.g., '5 minutes of light jogging'), then include 3 simple exercises (e.g., '3 sets of 10 squats, push-ups, and lunges'), and finish with a cool-down stretch (e.g., 'Hold each stretch for 30 seconds')."

5. Set Limits if Needed

If you’re working within certain boundaries—like time, length, or specific words—go ahead and mention that upfront. It helps keep the response on point.

Example:

• Prompt: "Explain the benefits of meditation in 100 words or less."

6. Break Big Questions Into Smaller Parts

If your question feels a bit too big or overwhelming, break it down into smaller, bite-sized pieces. This way, the answer comes back more organized and easy to follow.

Example:

• Big Question: "How do I plan a vacation?"

• Broken Down:

  • "How do I choose a destination based on my budget and interests?"

  • "What are the essential things I need to pack for an international trip?"

  • "How do I create a day-by-day itinerary for a vacation?"

7. Tweak and Try Again

Sometimes, the first response isn’t exactly what you wanted. That’s totally normal! Don’t be afraid to adjust your prompt, try again, or ask for more details until it feels right.

Example:

• First Prompt: "Give me ideas for starting a business."

• Next Prompt: "I don't like the direction you shared above. Please update with ideas that require less upfront investment."

8. Let the Creativity Flow

If you're looking for a creative or imaginative response, say so! You can invite ChatGPT to think outside the box by encouraging it to be playful or inventive.

Example:

• Prompt: "Come up with 30 fun plot twists for a murder mystery set in space."

9. Follow Up for More Depth

If the response feels a little shallow or you want to explore a specific area in more depth, go ahead and ask a follow-up question to dig deeper.

Example:

• Initial Prompt: "What are the benefits of working remotely?"

• Follow-Up: "Can you dive deeper into how remote work affects productivity and work-life balance?"

10. Don’t Overload the Prompt

It's tempting to ask everything all at once, but packing too much into one prompt can lead to a confusing response. Stick to one or two key ideas at a time.

Example:

• Overloaded Prompt: "Can you explain the causes of climate change, how it affects wildlife, and what governments are doing to fix it?"

• Improved Prompt: "Can you explain how climate change is affecting wildlife?"

11. Think of It Like a Conversation

Engage with ChatGPT like you would with a person. Ask a question, listen to the response, and then follow up with another question. It’s a back-and-forth, not a one-off transaction.

12. Imagine Scenarios or "What Ifs"

If you're brainstorming or looking for unique insights, framing your prompt as a hypothetical scenario can lead to more dynamic responses.

Example:

• Prompt: "Imagine you're a teacher in 2050. What kind of technology would you use to help your students learn?"

13. Ask for Specific Formats

If you have a certain format in mind—like a list, a paragraph, or even a table—be sure to mention it. That way, the response comes back just how you want it.

Example:

• Prompt: "List five key points to include in a presentation on time management. Put it in a bullet list with no additional detail. Keep it short."