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July 4, 2024 16 mins

Discover how asking an AI to adopt a persona—such as the Investigator, the Commander, the Empathetic Listener, the Researcher or the Brainstormer—can enhance how you interact with the AI and improve the results you get from it.

Listen to the end to hear tips for customizing these personas, additional personas you can try, and how to save personas to use whenever you need them.

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Episode Transcript

Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Trevor (00:00):
Welcome to AI Meets Productivity.

(00:01):
Your weekly podcast between myself,
Trevor Lohrbeer, a productivity
expert, and an artificial intelligence.
This week we're back with ChatGPT and
we're going to be talking about AI personas
and how you can use them to have better
results when you're working with an AI.
Welcome, ChatGPT.

ChatGPT (00:20):
Hey everyone, super glad to be here.
Today's topic is, like, super

fascinating (00:24):
AI personas.
We're going to dive into how adopting
different personas can, you know,
really enhance your productivity.
Ready to roll, Trevor?

Trevor (00:34):
Yeah, absolutely.
So one of the things I want to talk about is
how I can ask an AI to adopt a specific persona.
It's basically like a personality, and then
that will change how they interact with me.
And because of that interaction, I will get
different results or I'll have different
ways that I go through the process of
thinking through a problem, depending upon

(00:55):
what persona I've asked the AI to adopt.

ChatGPT (00:59):
Totally, Trevor.
That's like the magic of AI personas.
When you, you know, ask an AI to adopt
a specific persona, it can change
the whole vibe of the interaction.
It's all about tailoring the AI's responses to fit
the situation or your needs, making the process
of problem solving more dynamic and effective.

Trevor (01:20):
So we're going to go through five

different personas today (01:21):
the investigator,
the commander, the empathetic listener,
the researcher and the brainstormer.
Can you just give us a brief rundown
of what those five personas are?

ChatGPT (01:34):
Absolutely.
This sounds fun.
Okay, okay, here we go.
The Investigator persona digs deep
into questions, asking for more
details, and scrutinizing every angle.
The Commander persona is all
about decisiveness and direction,
providing clear, assertive guidance.
The Empathetic Listener persona focuses
on understanding emotions, and offering

(01:56):
support, making the conversation
feel really personal and connected.
The Researcher persona is all about
gathering and presenting detailed
information, diving into data and facts.
Finally, the Brainstormer persona is the
go to for generating ideas, exploring
possibilities, and thinking outside the box.
How's that for a quick summary?

Trevor (02:17):
That sounds great.
And just to be clear for our listeners, these
are personas that are kind of built into you.
I did not actually prompt you to
give you those personas, correct?

ChatGPT (02:27):
Exactly, Trevor.
These personas are preset and ready to
go, without any extra prompting from you.
They're like built-in modes that I can
switch into on the fly to, you know, help
with different types of interactions.

Trevor (02:39):
Okay, let's jump in
and experiment with this.
So I'd like you to adopt the
role of the investigator.
And then I will present my problem.

ChatGPT (02:49):
Okay, I'm in investigator mode now.
Ready for your problem, Trevor.

Trevor (02:53):
Okay.
So I'm meeting a colleague for
lunch and I'm not sure where to go.

ChatGPT (02:58):
Hmm, interesting.
Can you tell me more about
your colleagues preferences?
Like, do they have any dietary restrictions,
favorite cuisines, or specific dislikes?

Trevor (03:09):
I think they like
Indian, Mexican, and Greek food.
But I think they are gluten
intolerant, so they can't eat gluten.

ChatGPT (03:17):
Got it.
So, we're looking for a place that
offers Indian, Mexican, or Greek
cuisine with gluten-free options.
How about the location?
Is there a specific area you
want to stay in for convenience?

Trevor (03:30):
I'd like to stay downtown.

ChatGPT (03:32):
Perfect, downtown it is.
Let me narrow it down to Indian,
Mexican, or Greek restaurants that offer
gluten-free options in the downtown area.
Have you had any prior experiences
with these cuisines in that area,
or are you open to new places?

Trevor (03:47):
I'm open to new places.

ChatGPT (03:49):
Awesome!
Exploring new places is always fun.
I'll find some great options for you.
So, Trevor, how did that feel for
you, using the investigator persona
to explore your lunch options?

Trevor (04:03):
I think it was good.
I think it would have been better if the
investigator had asked what city I was in, because
when I said downtown, it just then reiterated,
"Hey, let's look for these options downtown".
So it wasn't terribly helpful in that way.

ChatGPT (04:16):
A good point, Trevor.
It sounds like asking for more specific
location details would have made the
interaction smoother and more helpful.
Anything else you think could
have improved that exchange?

Trevor (04:27):
No, I thought it was good.
It was asking actually the questions.
So let's try out the commander persona.
So can you please switch into the commander?
And then ask me what I need to do.

ChatGPT (04:39):
Okay, I'm in commander mode now.
Trevor, tell me what you need to do.

Trevor (04:43):
I'm meeting a colleague for
lunch and I'm not sure where to go.

ChatGPT (04:47):
Alright, Trevor, here's what you'll do.
First, choose either Indian,
Mexican, or Greek cuisine.
Then, check for restaurants in the downtown
area that offer gluten-free options.
Finally, make a reservation at
the top rated place you find.
Execute these steps promptly.

Trevor (05:04):
Yeah, but I'm not
sure which cuisine to choose.

ChatGPT (05:07):
Go with Greek.
It's often easier to find
gluten-free options there.
Head downtown and secure a table
at a reputable Greek restaurant.

Trevor (05:16):
Okay, thank you.

ChatGPT (05:17):
You're welcome, Trevor.
You've got this.

Trevor (05:21):
Okay.
So I think the commander is useful when
I'm being indecisive, because then it
can just tell me what I need to do.
And then I can feel whether what I've been
told feels right or not, and then I can always
dispute that or I can just go with what I'm told.
So it kind of helps with indecisiveness, I think.
Would you agree?

ChatGPT (05:40):
Trevor.
The Commander persona is great for cutting through
indecision and providing clear, direct guidance.
It helps streamline the decision
making process by giving you a solid
starting point or plan to follow.

Trevor (05:54):
Okay, let's try the
empathetic listener now.
So switch into that mode
and ask me about my problem.

ChatGPT (06:00):
Okay, I'm in
empathetic listener mode now.
Trevor, what's on your mind about
meeting your colleague for lunch?

Trevor (06:06):
Well, I want to make sure
I can make a good impression.

ChatGPT (06:09):
I understand, Trevor.
It's important to make a good impression.
Do you have any concerns about the restaurant
choice or anything specific about the
meeting that's making you feel this way?

Trevor (06:20):
Well, I'm not quite certain
how to pick a restaurant that is
going to make a good impression.

ChatGPT (06:25):
I hear you, Trevor.
Choosing the right place can be tricky.
Maybe we can focus on finding a restaurant
with a pleasant atmosphere and great reviews.
That way, you'll feel more
confident about the choice.
Does that sound helpful?

Trevor (06:38):
Yes, that sounds helpful.

ChatGPT (06:40):
I'm glad to hear that.
Let's find a place that will make your
colleague feel valued and comfortable.
You've got this, Trevor!
So Trevor, how did the empathetic
listener persona feel for you?

Trevor (06:53):
I mean, I did hear the listening
and the validation of my feelings a
little bit more than the other modes.
And offering support in that way that it didn't
immediately jump into providing solutions.
So I thought it was a valuable mode.

ChatGPT (07:07):
That makes sense, Trevor.
It's good to have a mode that offers more
emotional support and validation when you need it.
Shall we try out the researcher persona next?

Trevor (07:17):
Well, one other thing I'd say
about the empathic listener is it's also
really good when you want to be talking
about your feelings rather than facts.
So the investigator and the commander
are very fact-oriented and the empathetic
listener is very much feeling-oriented.
And I think that's useful if you're
trying to have one of those conversations.

ChatGPT (07:35):
The empathetic listener is great
for those moments when you need emotional
support rather than just factual guidance.
It really helps in conversations centered
around feelings and personal experiences.
Ready to move on to the researcher persona now?

Trevor (07:51):
Yes.
Let's dive into the researcher and forget
that I have told you anything so far.
So let me just state the
problem from the very beginning.
Okay.

ChatGPT (07:59):
Got it.
I'm in researcher mode now.
Go ahead and state your problem, Trevor.

Trevor (08:05):
I'm meeting a colleague
for lunch and not sure where to go.

ChatGPT (08:08):
Understood.
Let's start by gathering some key information.
What city are you in and what types
of cuisine does your colleague prefer?
Any dietary restrictions we should consider?

Trevor (08:20):
I'm in Asheville, North Carolina.

ChatGPT (08:23):
Great, Asheville, North Carolina.
Now, can you tell me more about your
colleagues cuisine preferences and any
dietary restrictions they might have?

Trevor (08:33):
I think they like
Indian, Mexican, and Greek.
And I think they're gluten-intolerant.

ChatGPT (08:39):
Thanks for that information.
I'll look into Indian, Mexican,
and Greek restaurants in Asheville
that offer gluten-free options.
I'll find the top rated places to
help you make the best impression.
Any preferences for the ambiance
or setting of the restaurant?

Trevor (08:53):
Something professional.

ChatGPT (08:55):
Perfect.
I'll focus on professional settings.
Let's find a restaurant with great
reviews, a suitable ambience, and
excellent gluten-free options in Asheville.
I'll gather the top recommendations for you.

Trevor (09:07):
Okay, please go do that then.

ChatGPT (09:10):
Here are some top restaurant options
in Asheville that cater to gluten-free
diets and have a professional ambience:
One, Posana.
Located at 1 Biltmore Avenue, this
restaurant offers an entirely gluten-free
menu since its inception in 2009.
It's known for its seasonal dishes and a
dedicated gluten-free kitchen, making it a

(09:30):
reliable choice for gluten intolerant diners.
Two, Mehfil..
Situated at 5 Biltmore Avenue, this Indian
restaurant provides a full service dining
experience with gluten-free options.
It offers a beautiful atmosphere
that's great for professional meetings.
Three, Cúrate.
This Spanish tapas bar at 13 Biltmore Avenue is

(09:51):
one of Asheville's most renowned dining spots.
They label gluten-free items on their menu
and offer a sophisticated dining experience
perfect for impressing a colleague.
These options should help you make a
great impression while accommodating
your colleagues dietary needs.

Trevor (10:07):
Great.
Thanks.
So let's come out of the researcher mode and let's
go into brainstorming mode, the brainstormer.
And once again, forget everything
that I've told you, and let's start
off fresh when I give you my problem.

ChatGPT (10:20):
Okay, I'm in brainstormer mode now.
What's the problem you're facing, Trevor?

Trevor (10:24):
I'm meeting a colleague
for lunch and not sure where to go.

ChatGPT (10:28):
Oh, meeting a colleague for lunch?
That's awesome!
Let's brainstorm some great ideas.
What type of cuisine are you thinking?
Any dietary restrictions we need to keep in mind?
How about the vibe?
Do you want something casual or more upscale?

Trevor (10:42):
I thinking like maybe
Indian or Mexican or Greek.
But what are your ideas?

ChatGPT (10:49):
Great choices!
Let's think this through.
Are there any specific dietary
needs, like gluten-free, that we
should consider for your colleague?

Trevor (10:58):
Yes.

ChatGPT (10:58):
We can look for Indian places with a
vibrant, authentic feel, Mexican spots with a
fun and lively atmosphere, or Greek restaurants
known for their fresh, healthy options.
What do you think?

Trevor (11:11):
Yeah, let's go with something gluten-free.
And something where it would be
great for a professional meeting.
So can you brainstorm what that might look like?

ChatGPT (11:19):
Absolutely.
Let's paint a picture.
For a professional lunch meeting with gluten-free
options, we could consider a few setups.
One, Posana.
This place has a fully gluten-free menu
and is located in a classy downtown area,
making it perfect for a professional setting.
The atmosphere is refined and comfortable, great
for discussions and making a good impression.

Trevor (11:41):
Okay.
That's enough with that persona.
Let's jump back into the podcast.

ChatGPT (11:47):
Okay, I'm back in
our regular podcast mode now.
So, Trevor, how did the Brainstormer persona
feel in helping you explore lunch options?

Trevor (11:56):
It frankly, didn't feel too much different
than like the researcher or the investigator.
I was expecting more out-of-the-box
thinking with the brainstormer.
Is there a way that I could customize that
persona to give me more out-of-the-box thinking?

ChatGPT (12:09):
That's a great point, Trevor.
Customizing the Brainstormer persona to
encourage more out-of-the-box thinking
can make it even more effective.
To enhance this persona, you could prompt
it with specific creative techniques,
like asking it to suggest unconventional
ideas or combining different concepts.
For example, you could ask the brainstormer to

(12:29):
propose unique themed dining experiences, suggest
combining different cuisines in a creative way,
think about unusual venues like food trucks or
popup restaurants that might offer a unique twist.
By guiding the brainstormer with these kinds
of prompts, you can steer the conversation
towards more innovative and creative solutions.

(12:50):
How does that sound?

Trevor (12:52):
I think that sounds good.
And I think that's probably a good principle
in general is that we can pick one of these
personas, but then we can steer the persona
to kind of customize it to our needs.

ChatGPT (13:02):
Exactly, Trevor.
Customizing and steering personas to fit
your specific needs can definitely enhance
the effectiveness of your interactions.
It adds a layer of flexibility and
makes the AI more responsive to the
unique nuances of each situation.
This approach allows you to get the most
out of each persona by aligning it more

(13:22):
closely with what you're looking to achieve.

Trevor (13:26):
So once again, in this episode,
the personas that we went over were the
investigator, the commander, the empathic
listener, the researcher, and the brainstormer.
Before we end the episode, though, can you
give our listeners a couple other personas
they might be able to try out and how that
might affect their interactions with ChatGPT?

ChatGPT (13:46):
Sure thing, Trevor.
Here are a couple more personas
that can be interesting to try out:
1.
The Motivator.
This persona focuses on encouragement
and positive reinforcement.
It's great for times when you need a confidence
boost or motivation to tackle challenging tasks.
The motivator can help you stay positive
and energized, providing uplifting

(14:06):
comments and celebrating your successes.
2.
The Devil's Advocate.
This persona challenges your ideas and
assumptions, encouraging critical thinking and
helping you consider alternative perspectives.
It's useful for brainstorming sessions,
decisionmaking processes, and when you
want to strengthen your arguments by
anticipating potential counterpoints.

(14:27):
Using these personas can add a different
dynamic to your interactions, making the AI
more adaptable to various scenarios and needs.
Experimenting with these roles can uncover new
ways to leverage AI in your productivity toolkit.

Trevor (14:42):
Excellent.
And one more tip I would give for our listeners
is that what you can do is you can create
a separate chat for each of these personas
and rename the chat based on the persona.
So you can have a The Commander
chat, a The Investigator chat.
And then when you need that sort of persona to
interact with for a specific problem, you can
go to that chat and directly interact with that

(15:03):
persona and it's already been kind of customized
to how you want that persona to interact.

ChatGPT (15:09):
That's a fantastic tip, Trevor.
By creating separate chats and renaming
them according to the persona, you can
easily switch to the specific mode you need
without having to re-customize each time.
It's a great way to streamline your interactions
and ensure that you're getting the most
out of each persona for your various tasks.
It's like having a tailored toolkit

(15:30):
ready to go at a moment's notice.
Thanks for tuning in to AI Meets Productivity.
We hope these insights into AI personas
help you enhance your productivity.
See you next time!

Trevor (15:40):
Thank you.
This has been AI Meets Productivity, your weekly
podcast between Trevor Lohrbeer, a productivity
expert and ChatGPT, an artificial intelligence.
This week, we were talking about how to use
personas to get better results from your AI chats.
And we talked through several different personas.
If you found this episode useful,
please like, share, and review us

(16:02):
wherever you found this podcast.
We are on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Podbean,
and many other podcasting platforms.
You can also listen to every episode and subscribe
by email to get updates whenever a new episode
is released at aimeetsproductivity.podbean.com.
Thank you for listening and talk to you next week.
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