I’m excited to share this week’s newsletter with you. It’s a big one. We’re talking, 22 prompts big.
As I continue to explore how to use ChatGPT in my daily workflow, I’m increasingly trying to test its ability to be an interactive partner, and less of a content generator. You see this in full view this week, as we work with ChatGPT to prep for a conference speech and Q&A session.
In this guide, I’ll show you how to work with ChatGPT to set out the objectives for your speech or presentation, gather potential questions, simulate a Q&A, analyze and refine answers, practice and iterate, and finally, review and adjust your strategy.
Each step involves specific prompts to guide ChatGPT in aiding the preparation process, from identifying the event type and setting objectives to simulating different interviewer perspectives and refining responses.
Given how big this week’s guide is, I’ve not shared screenshots of each prompt and response. Instead, you can see how I applied these prompts in a hypothetical scenario in which I give a talk on mobilizing citizens in support of LNG projects. Paid subscribers can access the archive of my entire chat with ChatGPT at the end of the guide.
Let’s get started!
Step 1: Define Your Scenario and Objectives
Scenario: Determine the type of public speaking event you are preparing for (e.g., press conference, panel discussion, public hearing).
Objectives: Clarify your goals for the event. Are you informing, persuading, or defending a position? Understanding your objectives will help tailor your practice sessions.
Prompt 1: Scenario Identification
Help me identify the type of public speaking event I'm preparing for. Here's what I know about the event: [describe any details you have about the event, such as the format, the audience, the venue, and the type of interaction expected]. Based on this, what would be the most likely scenarios I might encounter?Prompt 2: Setting Objectives
I am preparing for a [insert event type from Prompt 1 response] focused on [mention the topic or issue]. I need to set clear objectives for my participation. Here are my initial thoughts: [list any preliminary objectives you might have]. Could you help me refine these objectives to ensure they are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART)?Prompt 3: Explore Additional Objectives
Considering the [insert event type] on [mention the topic], what other objectives might be important to consider? I want to make sure I cover all bases, including informing, persuading, and possibly defending a position against critical viewpoints.Step 2: Gather Potential Questions
Research Common Questions: Identify common and tough questions that might be posed by your audience, media, or other stakeholders relevant to the topic.
Prepare a List: Compile a list of these questions. Include a mix of general, specific, challenging, and controversial questions to cover various aspects of the topic.
Prompt 4: Research Common Questions
I am preparing for a [insert event type from previous step] regarding [topic]. Can you help me compile a list of common questions that are typically asked in such settings? These should include general inquiries about the topic, as well as more specific questions that stakeholders or the media might pose.Prompt 5: Identify Challenging and Controversial Questions
Given the controversial nature of [mention the topic], what are some challenging questions I might face from critics or skeptics during the [insert event type]? I need to prepare for tough scenarios, so please provide a list of potential tough or confrontational questions.Prompt 6: Questions from Different Stakeholders
For the upcoming [insert event type] on [topic], I need to consider the perspectives of different stakeholders. Could you generate a list of questions that different groups might ask? Think about stakeholders like [list potential stakeholders such as government officials, industry peers, activists, the general public, etc.].Prompt 7: Tailored Questions Based on Objectives
Based on the objectives I defined in Step 1, what specific questions should I be prepared to answer that directly align with achieving these objectives? This includes any questions that might allow me to highlight key points or defend against potential criticisms.Step 3: Simulate Q&A with ChatGPT
Start a Session: Begin a new chat session with ChatGPT.
Role-play: Present yourself as if you were at the event. Ask ChatGPT to take on the role of an interviewer, stakeholder, or a skeptical audience member. Feed the questions to ChatGPT one at a time and respond to them as if you were live.
Diversify Roles: To cover different perspectives, you can restart the session with ChatGPT assuming different roles or having different attitudes (supportive, neutral, critical).
Prompt 8: Begin Role-play Session
Let's start a role-play session. Assume the role of an interviewer from [specify type of media or stakeholder group] who is knowledgeable about [topic]. Start by asking me this question: [insert one of the tough questions you've gathered]. I'll respond, and we can continue the conversation based on my answers.Prompt 9: Simulate Different Interviewer Perspectives
Let's modify the simulation now. For this simulation, please take on the role of a [specify different perspective, e.g., critical activist, supportive industry peer, neutral expert] regarding [topic]. Ask me challenging questions that someone from this perspective might pose, starting with: [insert a challenging question relevant to this perspective].Prompt 10: Feedback on Answers
Let's end the simulation now. Could you provide feedback on the effectiveness of my response? Consider clarity, persuasiveness, and whether I addressed all parts of the question. Also, suggest any improvements or alternative ways I could have answered.Prompt 11: Explore Variations in Response
I've just responded to a question about [insert specific aspect of the topic]. Can we explore different ways to answer the same question? I'd like to see a more assertive version and a more diplomatic version of my response to understand which might be more effective in different contexts.Step 4: Analyze and Refine Your Answers
Immediate Feedback: After responding to each question, ask ChatGPT for feedback on your answers. You can request critique on clarity, persuasiveness, and whether the response adequately addresses the question.
Refinement: Use the feedback to refine your answers. You can rewrite your responses and ask ChatGPT to evaluate which version is more effective.
Record Insights: Keep notes on feedback and revised answers for further refinement.
Prompt 12: Initial Evaluation of Responses
I've practiced responding to several questions in our role-play. Here are the responses I've given: [list your responses briefly]. Could you analyze these and suggest improvements? I'm looking for feedback on clarity, persuasiveness, and thoroughness.Prompt 13: Specific Feedback on Key Points
For the response I gave regarding [specific topic or question], can you help me ensure that I've covered all essential points effectively? Here’s what I said: [provide your response]. What key points could I emphasize more, or what critical aspects have I possibly overlooked?Prompt 14: Refining Language and Style
I want to make sure my language is both engaging and appropriate for my audience. Here’s a response I crafted: [insert your response]. Could you suggest any linguistic or stylistic changes that might make this answer more impactful for an audience consisting of [describe the audience]?Prompt 15: Comparing Response Versions
"I have two versions of a response to a common question. Version A: [provide response A], and Version B: [provide response B]. Which one do you think is more effective for a [type of event] setting? Could you point out the strengths and weaknesses of each?"Prompt 16: Handling Tough Follow-up Questions
Given my response to [insert a previously discussed question], what tough follow-up questions can I anticipate? Please simulate these follow-ups, and let's practice responding to them. Also, evaluate how well my original answer sets me up to handle these follow-ups.Step 5: Continuous Practice and Iteration
Regular Sessions: Regularly schedule practice sessions with ChatGPT leading up to your event. Consistency will help you feel more prepared and confident.
Update Questions: As new information becomes available or as the event approaches, update your list of questions to reflect new developments or shifting focus areas.
Prompt 17: Regular Practice Sessions
I want to set up regular practice sessions using the questions and responses we've developed. Can you help me create a schedule for these sessions that allows me to cover all major questions and responses at least once a week? Include time for new questions that may arise as the event approaches.Prompt 18: Update Questions and Responses
As new developments occur related to [topic], I need to update my set of practice questions to reflect these changes. Can you assist me in identifying potential new questions based on the latest news and updates? Also, help me revise existing responses to incorporate this new information.Prompt 19: Simulating High-Pressure Situations
To better prepare for high-pressure environments, can we simulate a scenario where I am rapidly asked several difficult questions in succession? This will help me practice maintaining composure and delivering well-thought-out responses under pressure.Step 6: Final Review and Strategy Adjustment
Review Notes: Before the actual event, review all the notes and refined answers from your practice sessions.
Strategy Adjustment: Make any final adjustments to your strategy based on the most current information and feedback.
Prompt 20: Comprehensive Review of Prepared Material
As the event approaches, I need a comprehensive review of all the responses and materials I've prepared. Can you help me conduct a final assessment to ensure everything is coherent, aligned with my objectives, and ready for delivery? I’d like to go over each key response and check for any inconsistencies or last-minute changes needed.Prompt 21: Strategy Reassessment Based on Latest Information
Given the latest developments in [topic], it's essential to reassess my strategy to ensure it remains effective. Please help me review the planned approach and suggest any strategic adjustments that might enhance my effectiveness or align better with the current situation.Prompt 22: Contingency Planning for Unexpected Questions
Finally, let’s plan for the unexpected. Can we discuss potential last-minute curveball questions I might face, and how I might handle them? I'd like to brainstorm a few fallback strategies for dealing with questions or scenarios we haven't explicitly prepared for.You can see how I put these prompts to use here. One small deviation from the guide above — I ran the simulations in the same chat, rather than launch new chats. This was more for ease of sharing with you than any methodological reason.