When interacting with ChatGPT, it’s common to receive vague or irrelevant answers if our prompt is too broad, too long, or unclear. Try using “Ask Before Answer”, a prompt engineering technique that encourages ChatGPT to ask clarifying questions before delivering a response. This technique will ensure its answers are more accurate and aligned with your requirements.
Whether you’re dealing with complex topics or simply unsure if your prompt accurately conveys what you’re asking, “Ask Before Answer” gives you a chance to clarify your intent, and will result in more focused and relevant responses from the AI.
In this article, we’ll explore how this technique works, its practical applications, and how you can use it to get better results when engaging with ChatGPT.
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What is the “Ask Before Answer” Prompt Technique?
Typically, when we interact with ChatGPT, we take the straightforward approach of asking a question and expecting the AI to understand our needs and provide accurate responses. This works well in many cases.
However, there are times when we give overly long prompts or aren’t confident that we’ve clearly communicated our intentions. We might doubt if ChatGPT has fully understood what we want. In situations like these, it’s helpful to instruct ChatGPT to ask for clarification or any missing information first, so that we can refine its understanding of our requirements.
For example, when you apply this technique, if you ask ChatGPT:
If I want to improve my cat's behavior, what should I focus on?
ChatGPT might respond with a clarifying question like, “Are you looking for training tips, health-related advice, or understanding common behavioral patterns?”
You can then reply to its clarifying questions by narrowing the focus of your original prompt. This way, ChatGPT’s final response will be more precise and tailored to what you’re after.
How to Prompt ChatGPT to Ask Clarifying Questions
The core of the “Ask Before Answer” prompt technique is to instruct ChatGPT to ask clarifying questions before giving a response. Here are some ways you can phrase your instructions:
- “Please ask me any questions you need to clarify my situation.”
- “Could you ask for more details to help narrow down the options?”
- “Feel free to ask for specifics before giving an answer.”
- “Please ask for any details you need before providing your suggestions.”
- “Could you ask me some questions to help figure out what I need?”
Steps to Apply the “Ask Before Answer” Technique
Step 1: Construct Your Prompt as You Normally Would
Start by forming your question or request the way you normally interact with ChatGPT. Even though you know you will be applying the ‘Ask Before Answer’ technique, it’s still recommended to follow prompt engineering best practices, and there’s no need to intentionally make your prompt vague or overly broad. Do not send your prompt at this point yet.
Step 2: Add Instructions for Clarification
At the end of your prompt, include an instruction that encourages ChatGPT to ask clarifying questions before responding. For example:
I am a project manager at a construction company, and my situation is [such and such]. Can you help me understand how to improve productivity at work? Please ask me any questions you need to clarify my situation.
Step 3: Respond to the Clarifying Questions
Once ChatGPT asks for additional details, provide specific answers to clarify your requirements. This step helps refine the AI’s understanding and narrows down the focus of your request.
Step 4: Receive a Tailored Response
After you’ve clarified the necessary points, ChatGPT will deliver a more accurate and focused answer, tailored to your needs.
Examples of Practical Applications
The following is an example of a cat owner seeking advice from ChatGPT about his cat’s weight issue.
You can see that he has tried his best to provide ChatGPT with details about his cat’s condition and his requirements, but still instructs ChatGPT to ask for additional information–which is wise choice, as this ensures that the advice will be specifically tailored to his needs.
Conclusion
The “Ask Before Answer” technique is a powerful prompt engineering strategy that helps you get more accurate and relevant responses from ChatGPT. By encouraging the AI to ask clarifying questions, you can avoid vague or incomplete answers, especially when dealing with complex or potentially unclear queries.
The only drawback we see, though, is that you may need to spend extra time answering ChatGPT’s clarifying questions. However, this is time well-spent, as it helps avoid multiple rounds of revisions later when you need to ask ChatGPT to refine or even completely overhaul its responses
Consider using the “Ask Before Answer” method to guide ChatGPT toward better understanding and more helpful advice.
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