This Prompt Works Better Than Direct Questions (Here's Why)

Time Compression Method: Unlocking Expert Thinking

Introduction to the Time Compression Method

• The speaker introduces the "time compression method," aimed at revealing expert thinking through a unique approach.

• Emphasizes that he is not an AI expert but has years of experience using AI, sharing effective strategies he's discovered.

Understanding Generic AI Responses

• Most users prompt AI for answers without forcing a viewpoint, leading to generic responses that lack depth.

• The speaker explains that expertise involves different priorities rather than just better information, which contributes to the generic feel of AI outputs.

Shifting Perspectives in Prompts

• To enhance output quality, instead of asking for expert advice directly, users should request a comparison between beginner and expert thinking.

• This shift encourages the model to reveal how thought processes evolve over time rather than simply providing surface-level information.

Steps in the Time Compression Sequence

Step 1: Surface-Level Understanding

• Instruct the AI to write as if it only understands basic principles about a topic while keeping it realistic.

Step 2: Deep Understanding

• Rewrite the same content from the perspective of someone who deeply understands core mechanisms, focusing on leverage points and trade-offs.

Step 3: Conceptual Shifts Analysis

• List specific conceptual shifts between both versions regarding priorities, assumptions, focus, and decision-making. This step extracts valuable mental models from the responses.

Advanced Version of Time Compression Method

• An advanced prompt maps cognitive evolution from novice to expert by describing changes in thinking at each stage.

• Focuses on what novices overestimate versus what experts ignore and highlights structural differences in thinking rather than personality traits or confidence levels.

Example: YouTube Growth Insights

Beginner vs. Expert Thinking

• Beginner advice includes posting consistently and improving thumbnails; while technically correct, it's vague and effort-based.

• Expert insights emphasize growth through packaging and retention strategies—focusing on curiosity gaps in titles/thumbnails and designing engaging openings for videos.

Insights on AI Clarity and Writing Techniques

The Role of Contrast in AI Utilization

• The concept of contrast is essential for gaining deeper insights when using AI. It is particularly useful when the output feels generic, as it helps to achieve sharper thinking and structural clarity.

• This approach should not be used for quick factual answers; instead, it serves as a tool for building something significant.

Writing Techniques: Expert vs. Beginner

• A recommended technique involves writing from two perspectives: first as a beginner, then as an expert. This method allows one to observe the differences in clarity and depth between the two approaches.

• The process is referred to as the "time compression sequence," which emphasizes understanding through contrasting levels of expertise in writing.

Achieving Intentional Output

• Utilizing these techniques does not train AI but rather forces clarity in its outputs. As users adopt this method, they will notice that responses become more intentional rather than generic.

• Practical prompts and sequences will be provided in a Notion document for easy access and implementation, encouraging users to experiment with these strategies.