Boost ChatGPT Summarization: 3 Practical Tips

Contents

1. Use specific and concise commands
2. Split long pieces of text
3. Ask ChatGPT to summarize in different ways

Summarizing lengthy pieces of text can be quite a task, but with the help of ChatGPT, this process becomes significantly easier. But how can we elevate this experience even more? How can we improve ChatGPT performance in summarization? Well, the answer lies in three practical strategies that can make a big difference, and today, I'll share them with you. Let's start with the first one: using specific and concise commands.

Use Specific and Concise Commands

ChatGPT, just like a good friend, appreciates clear and concise instructions. The better you communicate your needs, the more accurate the summary you'll receive. Here's how you can get specific.

The Power of Direct Prompts

Direct prompts are your best bet when it comes to improving ChatGPT performance in summarization. Think of it as giving directions to a driver—you wouldn't just say, "Drive me somewhere nice!", would you? You'd give a specific destination. Similarly, instead of asking ChatGPT to "summarize this", tell it exactly what you're looking for. For instance, you could say, "Summarize this article in three sentences focusing on the main argument."

Keep it Short and Sweet

When it comes to commands, less is definitely more. Avoid using lengthy and complicated instructions. The rule of thumb here is: the shorter and simpler, the better. For example, instead of saying, "Can you summarize this text for me, focusing on the key points and leaving out any unnecessary details?", try "Summarize this, highlighting key points only". Clear, concise, and straight to the point.

Use Task-Specific Commands

One of the key ways to improve ChatGPT performance in summarization is by using task-specific commands. These are instructions that clearly state the task you want the AI to perform. If you're looking for a summary, don't be shy—say it! Instead of saying, "Can you read this?", say "Summarize this in a paragraph". You'll be amazed at how these small changes can greatly enhance the quality of your summaries.

Remember, the goal is clear and concise communication. The way you interact with ChatGPT matters, and by using specific and concise commands, you're setting the stage for a more accurate and helpful summary. Next, let's explore how splitting long pieces of text can further improve your ChatGPT summarization experience.

Split Long Pieces of Text

Did you know that the performance of ChatGPT in summarization can be significantly improved by simply breaking down long pieces of text? It's like trying to eat a huge sandwich in one bite versus taking smaller, more manageable bites. Let's explore how this works.

Why Splitting Text Matters

Think of ChatGPT as your diligent note-taker. If you throw a 50-page report at it and ask for a summary, it might struggle to digest all that information at once. But, if you split that report into smaller sections and ask for a summary of each section, ChatGPT is more likely to provide you with a more accurate and comprehensive summary. So, instead of asking, "Summarize this 50-page report", try, "Summarize pages 1-10", then "Summarize pages 11-20", and so on. This approach will help you get the most out of your ChatGPT summarization experience.

How to Split Text Effectively

Splitting text is more than just chopping it into random pieces. You need to divide the text in a way that maintains its context and meaning. Look for natural breaks in the text—like chapters, sections, or even paragraphs. Remember, the goal is to make the text more digestible for ChatGPT, not to create confusion.

The Impact of Splitting Text

By splitting long pieces of text, you make it easier for ChatGPT to understand and summarize the information. This results in summaries that are more accurate, coherent, and useful. It's a simple yet effective strategy to improve ChatGPT performance in summarization. Now, are you ready to make your summaries even better? Let's move on to our last tip: asking ChatGPT to summarize in different ways.

Ask ChatGPT to Summarize in Different Ways

Another great way to boost the quality of your ChatGPT summaries is to play around with how you ask for the summary. Variety, as they say, is the spice of life. It can also be the secret sauce to improving ChatGPT performance in summarization. Let's dive into this.

Experiment with Your Requests

ChatGPT is quite versatile and can adjust to your requests. For instance, you can ask for a "brief summary", a "detailed summary", or even a "one-sentence summary". Each request will yield a different type of summary. Experimenting with these variations can help you find the right balance of detail and brevity for your specific needs.

Try Different Perspectives

Another interesting approach is to ask ChatGPT to summarize from different perspectives. For example, you could ask for a summary "as if explaining to a 6th grader" or "as if presenting to a board of directors". This can drastically change the tone, language, and level of detail in the summary, making it more tailored to your audience.

The Power of Variety

By asking ChatGPT to summarize in different ways, you're essentially tapping into its full potential. You'll get a range of summaries, each with its unique strengths. This method can help you gain new insights, cater to diverse audiences, and ultimately, enhance the performance of ChatGPT in summarization. And there you have it, three practical tips to take your ChatGPT summarization to the next level!

If you're excited about exploring and improving ChatGPT summarization, don't miss the 'ChatGPT: Beginners Crash Course' workshop by Ansh Mehra. This workshop will provide you with a comprehensive introduction to ChatGPT and practical tips to make the most of its summarization capabilities. You'll be on your way to mastering ChatGPT in no time.