Prompt Inversion: Prompt You to Prompt Me
When you interact with ChatGPT, whether you're seeking answers to questions, requesting document generation, code snippets, or any other kind of assistance, it's all too easy to get tunnel vision. You might zero in on specific points, themes, or concepts, unintentionally ignoring other aspects that could be equally helpful or enlightening. In other words, there are likely angles or perspectives you haven't even thought of exploring.
Many people approach ChatGPT as a one-way tool, a sort of "black box" where you feed in your input and await a generated output. They overlook the platform's capacity for interactive dialogue, missing out on the opportunity to have a more fluid, back-and-forth exchange that could enrich the end result. ChatGPT is more than just a generation tool; it can actively participate in shaping and refining the conversation or project at hand.
One technique I've coined—aptly or not—as "Prompt Inversion" can be particularly useful for this. (And hey, I don't claim to be an expert who pores over all the literature on AI, machine learning models, and the like, so forgive me if the term is already in use for something else.)
Let's go through an example below:
Example
In this completely contrived scenario I need to write approximately 150 words about my past year.
The Classic Question
It's very easy to write something like this.
User
I need to write a 150 word section on my last year of life. For context I am a software engineer, I have settled into my new job, I have tried to get into blogging, and am looking at starting freelancing. I am still saving to buy a home
Generate it please
This prompt is the classic treatment, I know what I need, and I think I know what information is needed to get what I need. Typical input, output black box. Here is the response:
Over the past year, my life has been a blend of stability and growth, both professionally and personally. As a Software Engineer, I've settled into my new role, taking on complex projects that not only pushed my technical skills but also honed my ability to collaborate within a team. My job has become a satisfying part of my daily routine, and I've grown more confident in my expertise.
In addition to my 9-to-5, I dipped my toes into the world of blogging. This journey of sharing my knowledge and insights about software development has been enlightening, allowing me to reflect on my own practices while engaging with a wider audience. The process has been both rewarding and challenging, revealing gaps in my understanding and fueling my curiosity to learn more.
Exploring the potential of freelancing has also been a focal point. The idea of diversifying my income and skillset has always appealed to me, and this year I've taken steps to make that vision a reality. Meanwhile, I've been diligently saving for a future home, a milestone I eagerly look forward to. All in all, it's been a year of laying the foundation for bigger things to come.
This response is ok. I didn't give it much info to go on, so it started filling in the blanks by adding assumptions, such as "reflecting on my own practices with a wider audience." A reasonable guess, but I don't actually expect anyone to read this blog.
The Inverted Prompt
Now let's look at how we can include ChatGPT into the workflow and get more ideas for our output therefore unconstraining our output from our own limited imagination.
I need to write 150 word section on the last year of my life. Please devise a questionaire that you can use to find out about me, then use my answers to generate the section
Our initial prompt is asking for a series of questions for us to answer. Here's what we get back.
Absolutely, I'd be happy to help. Here's a questionnaire to help me gather some key information about the last year of your life:
\ What major life events have occurred in the last year? (E.g., graduation, new job, marriage, etc.)
\ Have you moved or traveled significantly?
\ Have you achieved any personal or professional milestones?
\ Were there any major challenges or obstacles you faced? How did you overcome them?
\ Did you take up any new hobbies or interests?
\ What significant relationships have you formed or developed over the past year?
\ How has your perspective or outlook on life changed, if at all?
\ Have you made any meaningful contributions to your community or to any causes you care about?
\ Were there any moments that you felt were particularly transformative?
\ Is there a particular theme or lesson that encapsulates your experiences from the last year?
Please answer these questions, and then I'll use your responses to generate a 150-word section about the last year of your life.
Interesting, it's already clear we could end up with a much richer summary, I never considered relationships, outlook on life, etc. when I thought I knew what to include. Now we answer this questionaire.
I have settled into my new job and am still a fullstack software engineer
I have not moved but am still saving for a home and getting closer to affording a deposit
I am actually going for a promotion this month.
N/A
I have started blogging and wanting to get started with freelancing
My relationships are stable but I am going to propose this year
I have a positive outlook on my personal life but a negative outlook on the UK as a whole at the moment.
N/A
I am enjoying taking the lead more at work
I am trying to expand my activities and unshackle myself from only having a 9-5 job
It is smart enough to handle us not answering some questions, and we get our new section.
Over the past year, I've deepened my roots in my career as a full-stack software engineer while eyeing the horizon for new opportunities. Notably, a promotion looms on my near-future calendar, an achievement that would mark a key professional milestone. Concurrently, I've inched closer to affording a home, fortifying both my financial stability and future planning.
While content in my career, my aspirations extend beyond the 9-to-5 grind. I've plunged into the world of blogging and am exploring the possibilities of freelancing, broadening my skill set and outreach. On the personal front, this year holds the promise of significant change; I plan to propose, solidifying a relationship that has remained a stable cornerstone in my life.
Despite personal accomplishments and a generally optimistic outlook, I harbor reservations about the direction the UK is taking—a sentiment that has only intensified over the last year. Nevertheless, I find fulfillment in gradually assuming leadership roles at work and am actively working to diversify my life's portfolio, pursuing activities that enrich me beyond my primary profession.
Now let's compare our 2 sections.
Both responses provide information about the year's events but in slightly different ways. The inverted prompt response offers more breadth and depth primarily because it is written with more information and context. This allows it to present a fuller picture of the individual's experiences, encompassing both tangible and intangible aspects of life. Unlike a narrative that might fill in gaps or make assumptions, this approach enables the text to delve deeper into specific events, future aspirations, and emotional undertones. By incorporating a broader range of topics and adding layers of detail and nuance, the inverted prompt response provides a more comprehensive and informative account of the past year.
The Takeaway
By treating ChatGPT as a collaborative tool rather than just a 'black box,' you can unlock a far more layered, comprehensive, and authentic narrative. Whether it's a blog post, an essay, or any other form of project, incorporating this method of "Prompt Inversion" can take your output from just adequate to truly reflective of your requirements.
