Brainstorming Ideas
Stuck on what to write, plan, or create? ChatGPT is an excellent brainstorming partner. It never runs out of ideas, doesn't judge your suggestions, and can help you think through problems from angles you hadn't considered.
Why ChatGPT is Great for Brainstorming
- No judgment - You can share half-formed ideas without feeling silly
- Always available - Brainstorm at 2 AM or on a Sunday
- Diverse perspectives - Trained on diverse content, it can suggest unexpected angles
- Unlimited patience - Ask for 10 ideas, then 10 more, then 10 more
The Basic Brainstorming Prompt
Start with a simple request for ideas:
Types of Brainstorming
Quantity Brainstorming
When you want lots of options:
Constrained Brainstorming
When you have specific limitations:
Wild/Creative Brainstorming
When you want to think outside the box:
Problem-Solving Brainstorming
When you're trying to solve a specific challenge:
Brainstorming Different Things
Gift Ideas
Business Names
Project Ideas
Date Night Ideas
Content Ideas
Making Brainstorming More Effective
Start with Quantity, Then Refine
Step 1: Generate many ideas
Give me 20 ideas for a birthday party theme for my 7-year-old.
Step 2: Pick favorites
I like ideas #3, #7, and #12. Can you develop each of those more?
Step 3: Deep dive
Let's go with the space theme. What are all the ways I could incorporate this into decorations, food, and activities?
Add Constraints to Get Better Ideas
Too broad:
Give me business ideas.
Better:
Give me business ideas that:
- Can be started with less than $1,000
- Can be run part-time alongside a full-time job
- Are service-based rather than product-based
- Don't require specialized licenses
Ask for Different Categories
Ask "What Else?"
After getting initial ideas, push for more:
These are good. What are some more unusual or creative options you haven't mentioned?
Building on Ideas
Expanding an Idea
Combining Ideas
Getting Variations
When You're Really Stuck
Sometimes you need help even knowing where to start:
The "I Don't Know What I Want" Prompt
The "Help Me Think Through This" Prompt
The "Different Perspectives" Prompt
Brainstorming for Decisions
ChatGPT can help you think through choices:
Exercise: Brainstorm Something Real
Think of something you actually need ideas for and try it:
Tips for Effective Brainstorming
- Don't judge ideas initially - Get quantity first, evaluate later
- Build on what you like - Ask ChatGPT to develop promising ideas
- Add constraints - Limitations often spark creativity
- Ask follow-up questions - Dig deeper into interesting suggestions
- Try different angles - Ask for practical ideas, creative ideas, unconventional ideas
Key Takeaways
- ChatGPT is a tireless brainstorming partner
- Start by asking for many ideas, then refine
- Add constraints to get more relevant suggestions
- Build on ideas you like by asking for more detail
- Use follow-up questions to explore different angles
In the next module, we'll look at what ChatGPT can and cannot do - important knowledge for using it effectively!