In those days, I thought of ChatGPT as merely another text augmenter that I could use whenever I lacked the right words to say. Suddenly, it struck me that I had been using ChatGPT incorrectly; I didn’t require more words-I required better questions.
Then a very simple prompt turned everything around.
It was not loaded with keywords, not smart, and even sounded like a prompt.
It was:
“What am I really trying to say here?”
That one line brought genuine utility to ChatGPT.
The Day I Stopped Asking for Output
There I was, facing yet another blank page. I had ideas on productivity, creativity, and motivation, but none felt right. I tried being the usual:
“Write an article about productivity hacks.”
“List 10 ways to stay motivated.”
Indeed, ChatGPT delivered content back to me. The content was neat, properly arranged, and suitable for SEO. What was absent, though, was ‘myself.’ There was simply data, no understanding.
Frustrated by that, I typed something different. I described what I had written to ChatGPT and then asked:
“What am I really trying to say here?”
That question changed the whole dynamic.
Instead of giving me more text, ChatGPT gave me clarity.
From Output to Understanding
After that, it went on even more. At first, the original idea had been something like: “People have a hard time being productive because they lack the right habits.”
ChatGPT paraphrased: “It seems to me that you are not questioning the methods of becoming productive but rather the reasons of people feeling unproductive even though they are busy.”
That small shift, from action to intention, completely changed my perspective.
It made me realize that ChatGPT could be more than a writing tool. It could be a thinking partner. Not something to replace creativity, but something to reveal what’s buried underneath it.
Why That Prompt Works
When you ask ChatGPT, “What am I really trying to say?”, you’re inviting it into your thought process instead of just handing it instructions.
Most prompts are transactional:
“Write a blog about [topic].”
“Summarize this text.”
“Give me 10 ideas.”
But this prompt is relational.
It asks for reflection, not production.
It tells ChatGPT, “Help me think,” not “Do my work.”
That’s a subtle but powerful difference, one that brings out the tool’s real potential.
AI as a Mirror, Not a Machine
The reason this works is because ChatGPT doesn’t actually “know” you, but it reflects what you give it.
When I write unclear thoughts, it reflects that confusion.
When I write something half-formed, it asks questions like:
“Are you writing this from personal experience or observation?”
“Do you want to inform, persuade, or connect?”
“What emotion do you want your reader to feel?”
And suddenly, the machine stops being a machine.
It becomes a mirror, showing me what I couldn’t see on my own.
That’s the real value. Not automation. Reflection.
I Started Using ChatGPT Differently
Now, I don’t ask it to “write me a blog post.”
I start with what I already have, a paragraph, an idea, a messy draft, and then ask questions like:
“What am I trying to express here?”
“What’s missing from this argument?”
“Does this sound human or forced?”
“What question am I really answering for the reader?”
Every time, ChatGPT doesn’t give me a ready-made answer. It gives me a direction.
And direction is what turns a blank page into something meaningful.
From Prompt to Practice
If you want to make ChatGPT 5 truly useful, not just for writing, but also for thinking, that’s how the same approach can be used:
Write something first.
Don’t start from scratch. Give ChatGPT your raw thoughts, even if they’re rough. AI is best provided with some context, never with a command.
Ask for meaning, not polishing.
Instead of “make this sound better,” ask, “What am I really trying to communicate?” It will help to bring the true point into focus.
Have it as your peer, not your crutch.
Don’t take the perfect answers. Instead, use the information provided by ChatGPT to refine your own thinking.
Analyze tone and intent.
AI can identify patterns in your writing that you may be overlooking. If your tone is distant or unclear, it will tell you why.
Revisit the purpose for clarity.
Every good piece of writing has one explicit purpose. Let ChatGPT help you rediscover this before you polish the final draft.
The Real Power of AI Lies in Curiosity
That one sentence- “What am I really trying to say here?” – has taught me a very valuable lesson about writing and thinking.
AI is not just about saving time.
It is about asking better questions.
When you use it honestly, not authoritatively, when you ask from a place of curiosity rather than one of control, it becomes so much more powerful.
It becomes a tool that tweaks your thinking, rendering clarity to your writing and authenticity to what you truly intend to communicate.
Sometimes, we don’t need more words.
We just need some clarity.
Final Thought
We live in a world where everyone wants quick answers, “the perfect prompt,” “the best SEO strategy,” “fastest way to grow.”
But the actual truth is, tools like ChatGPT don’t create value by giving answers; they create value by revealing better questions.
So the next time you get stuck, don’t type “Write me something.”
Type “What am I really trying to say here?”
Because behind every great writing piece is not a perfect prompt but an honest question.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the meaning of the prompt “What am I really trying to say here?”
This prompt encourages you to ponder over your personal impression before soliciting ChatGPT to compose the text. Rather than creating text, this prompts the AI to assist you in articulating your true message or idea more distinctly.
2. Why is this prompt regarded as strong?
The reason is that it transforms ChatGPT from a mere writing tool into a partner in thinking. It draws familiarity, clarity, and deliberate to the forefront rather than producing boring content. It leads you to the essence of things rather than through just the words.
3. In what way is this prompt a contrast to common ChatGPT prompts?
The majority of prompts are task-based like “Write an article on X.” They direct ChatGPT what to do. This prompt is thoughtful; it invites ChatGPT to reason along with you. That’s why it provides you with insight, not just output.
4. Is it possible that this prompt could boost my writing skills?
Definitely. By raising the question of what your main message is, you disclose your ideas before refining your sentences. It makes your work appear more genuine, systematic, and in accordance with your goal.
5. What would be the ideal way to incorporate this prompt into your workflow?
Put down a rough concept or paragraph as the starting point. After that, ask ChatGPT:
- “What am I really trying to say here?”
- “Does this sound natural?”
- “What’s missing in this argument?”
This transforms AI into your creative partner rather than merely a text generator.
6. Is this prompt beneficial exclusively to writers?
Not at all! It can be applied to students, professionals, marketers, and anyone who thinks, and those who need the communication to be clear. It can be used for emails, presentations, creative ideas, or even journaling.
7. What is the mechanism of creativity improvement by this prompt?
It requires your thoughtful consideration. Rather than hurrying up to get the results, it brings you down to reflect upon the meaning and the purpose, thus initiating deeper and more authentic ideas.
8. Is this prompt usable in professional writing or the creation of SEO content?
Of course! Prior to SEO optimization, you have to be clear about your message. This prompt aids you in stating the central purpose of your content, which, in turn, enhances the tone, flow, and consonance with audience needs.
