Episode 57: Adding Consequences To ChatGPT

In this solo episode, host Cary Weston shares a powerful tip and challenge for improving ChatGPT responses. He explores how adding “real-world consequences” to a prompt can lead to more accurate, thoughtful, and thorough AI-generated content.

By reframing instructions and emphasizing the potential consequences of incomplete work, Cary found that ChatGPT provided more detailed and higher-quality responses. He challenges listeners to try this technique and share their results.

Key Takeaways

• Set Clear Stakes for Better AI Responses – When using ChatGPT, explaining why accuracy matters—especially by adding real-world consequences—can lead to more precise and complete responses.
• The “Busy Middle” is Where AI Saves Time – Breaking work into three phases—ideation, the busy middle, and polishing—helps maximize AI’s strengths. Using transcripts and structured input lets ChatGPT handle the “busy middle” and make content creation more efficient.
• Framing AI as an Intern Helps – Treating ChatGPT like an intern, providing clear instructions, background, and expectations, ensures better results. Without proper guidance, the output may be incomplete or generic.