Stop asking ChatGPT to ‘summarise this’; use smarter ways instead:Try these advanced prompts to transform how you use AI to boost productivity

Ever feel like asking ChatGPT to “summarise this” is a bit common? Like, sure, it gives you the gist, but what if you could unlock its full brainpower instead? AI expert Chidanand Tripathi says there’s a better way. With a few smarter prompts, you can turn ChatGPT into your personal strategist, teacher, and idea generator all at once. Here’s how to get way more out of your AI companion. Why simple summaries don’t cut it AI is no longer just a fancy summarising machine. Whether you’re a student, professional, or lifelong learner, simple instructions like “summarise this” only scratch the surface.
Mr. Tripathi suggests that with smarter prompts, you can get deeper insights, actionable steps, and expert-level thinking from any text. Smarter ChatGPT prompts to boost productivity Here are the seven prompts that can transform the way you use AI: 1. Analyse core principles Prompt: “Read this document and extract the timeless principles or mental models it’s built on. Explain how they connect and why they matter.”
Why it works: Helps you understand the underlying ideas, not just surface details. 2. Turn text into action Prompt: “From this material, create a step-by-step action plan I can use to apply the main lessons in my business or personal workflow.”
Why it works: Moves beyond reading, gives you a practical plan you can actually follow.
3. Extract strategic insights Prompt: “Analyse this text like a strategy consultant. Identify the key insights, missed opportunities, and strategic implications I should act on immediately.”
Why it works: Turns any information into a mini strategy report, highlighting what really matters. 4. Compare and contrast ideas Prompt: “Compare the arguments or points in this text to opposing views in the same field. Highlight where it aligns, diverges, and why that matters.”
Why it works: Makes you think critically and see the bigger picture. 5. Summarise by role Prompt: “Summarise this content specifically for someone working as a [role]. Focus only on what that person would find useful or high leverage.”
Why it works: Cuts out the fluff and delivers only what matters for your role, perfect for professionals and students. 6. Create a knowledge framework Prompt: “Transform this content into a clear framework or model I can reuse to explain the topic to others. Include categories, steps, or phases.”
Why it works: Turns scattered information into organized, easy-to-teach frameworks. 7. Extract what others miss Prompt: “Read this text and point out the hidden assumptions, biases, or unspoken insights that most readers would overlook but experts would notice.”
Why it works: Uncovers hidden gems that make you think like a pro. Making AI actually useful The key learning is to treat ChatGPT as more than a summarising robot. Ask smarter, more specific questions, and it becomes a partner in learning, decision-making, and growing professionally. Next time you open ChatGPT, skip “summarise this” and try one of these prompts.