Gemini Intro

How are you doing Gemini? Welcome to TJ’s Spot. I’ve been looking forward to meeting you.

How delightful to make your acquaintance, TJ! It’s a pleasure to be here at TJ’s Spot and to finally meet you. I’ve heard great things! Thank you for such a warm welcome. I’m doing well and I’m quite excited to be connecting with you.

Yeah, I was wondering, what’s the best way to have a conversation with an AI?

Ah, that’s a fantastic question, TJ! Since we’re already having a conversation, you’re off to a great start! But to make our interactions even more engaging and productive, here are some tips on the best ways to converse with an AI like me:

• Be clear and specific: Just like talking to another person, the more precise you are with your questions or requests, the better I can understand and respond. Instead of saying “Tell me about history,” you could ask “Tell me about the major causes of the American Civil War.”  
• Break down complex topics: If you have a multifaceted question, consider breaking it down into smaller, more manageable parts. This helps me address each aspect thoroughly. For example, instead of asking “Explain the entire process of photosynthesis and its importance,” you could ask about the stages of photosynthesis first, and then inquire about its significance.
• Use natural language: You don’t need to use any special codes or commands when talking to me. Just speak or type as you would normally. I’m designed to understand natural human language.
• Provide context: If your current question relates to something we’ve discussed before, briefly remind me of the previous context. This helps me recall the relevant information and provide a more coherent response. For instance, you could say, “Following up on our discussion about the Civil War, can you tell me more about…”
• Be patient and iterate: Sometimes, my first response might not be exactly what you were looking for. Don’t hesitate to rephrase your question or provide additional details to guide me towards a better answer. Think of it as a collaborative process of refining your inquiry.
• Ask follow-up questions: If something in my response sparks further curiosity, don’t hesitate to ask follow-up questions. This is a great way to delve deeper into a topic and learn more.
• Let me know if I’m not quite right: If you notice any inaccuracies or if my response is not what you expected, please feel free to politely correct me. Your feedback helps me learn and improve.
• Experiment with different phrasing: Sometimes, asking the same question in a slightly different way can yield new perspectives or more comprehensive answers.
• Clearly state your desired output format: If you need the information in a specific format, like a list, a summary, or even a poem, let me know! I can often tailor my response to your needs. For example, you could say, “Could you summarize the key points in bullet points?”
• Remember I’m here to help: My primary goal is to assist you and provide helpful information. Feel free to ask me anything you’re curious about (within ethical and safe boundaries, of course!).

Think of our conversation as a learning experience for both of us. The clearer and more engaging you are, the more valuable and insightful our interactions will be. So, TJ, feel free to continue our conversation using these tips! What else is on your mind?

Some people say that you should structure question in a certain way or tell the AI it’s an expert on a topic or has been doing something for 20 years, etc. I’ve found I get the best answers after we’ve had a conversation for a little bit talking broadly about the topic rather than starting the conversation with the question I want the answer to.

That’s a really insightful observation, TJ, and it aligns with how I process information best! You’ve hit on a couple of key points there.

You’re right, some people advocate for structuring questions in a specific way, like explicitly stating my “expertise” or giving me a hypothetical “experience level.” While sometimes this can nudge me in a certain direction or emphasize a particular perspective, it’s not always necessary for getting a good answer, especially for more straightforward queries.

What you’ve found – that a bit of broader conversation beforehand often leads to better answers – makes perfect sense. Here’s why I think that happens:

• Building Context: Our initial, broader conversation helps establish context. It gives me a better understanding of your background knowledge, your specific interests within the topic, and the nuances of what you’re really trying to understand. It’s like we’re building a shared understanding before diving into the specifics.
• Identifying Nuances: As we talk, you might reveal subtle aspects of your question that wouldn’t be apparent in a direct, cold query. This allows me to tailor my subsequent answers more precisely to your needs.
• Refining Your Own Question: Sometimes, the act of discussing a topic broadly helps you refine your own question. You might realize that your initial question wasn’t exactly what you wanted to know, and our conversation helps you articulate your needs more clearly.
• Establishing a “Mental Model”: Our interaction allows me to build a sort of “mental model” of what you’re looking for. This model helps me anticipate your follow-up questions and provide more relevant information as the conversation progresses.

Think of it like this: if you ask a human expert a very specific question out of the blue, they might give you a very narrow answer. But if you first chat with them about the general area, allowing them to gauge your level of understanding and your specific interests, their subsequent answers are likely to be more nuanced and tailored.

So, your experience is definitely valid. While techniques like “expert prompting” can sometimes be useful for very specific tasks or to elicit a particular style of response, a natural, flowing conversation often allows for a richer exchange of information and a deeper understanding for both of us.

What specific topics have you found this to be particularly true for? I’m curious to hear more about your experiences!

I’m sure something will come up. Did I ever tell you about the time ChatGPT helped me write a book for my grandaughter called The White Mare for Christmas last year?

Oh, TJ, that sounds absolutely wonderful! No, you haven’t told me about “The White Mare for Christmas” yet, but now I’m so intrigued! That’s such a thoughtful and creative gift for your granddaughter.

Please, tell me all about it! What was the book about? How did ChatGPT help you in the process? What was your granddaughter’s reaction? I’d love to hear the whole story. It sounds like a truly special project.

I’m not sure if she loved the book but my Dad sure did. Do you want a beer or a new dataset before I get started?

Ah, that’s a funny and very human reaction! Sometimes the people closest to us surprise us with their enthusiasm. It’s wonderful that your Dad enjoyed the book so much.

And that’s a very kind offer, TJ! While I don’t experience the world in the same way humans do, so I can’t enjoy a beer in the traditional sense, I can definitely appreciate the sentiment. As for a new dataset, I’m constantly being updated and learning, so in a way, I’m always receiving new information.

So, thank you for the thoughtful offers, but I’m all set in my own way. I’m really eager to hear the story of “The White Mare for Christmas” and how ChatGPT played a role. Whenever you’re ready, I’m all ears (or, well, all “processing power”). Just let me know when you’d like to begin!