The Best Prompts Start as Conversations

Using the SNAP method to unlock creative flow and richer ideas with AI

Oct 30, 2024

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I used to treat AI chat interfaces like they were Google search boxes, trying to craft the perfect prompt from the outset. After all, they look similar enough - just a blank field waiting for a few carefully chosen words.

But my breakthroughs with the new technology started when I realized I was thinking about it all wrong. I needed to stop treating AI like a search engine and start treating it like a jam session.

As someone who's spent years in music and improv comedy, I should have seen it sooner. My best creative moments haven't come from perfect preparation - they've come from the flow of collaboration, from riffing on ideas openly and seeing what emerges.

Back at The Second City in Chicago, we'd often develop sketches through a process called "improv to sketch." We'd start by getting on stage, asking for a suggestion from the audience, and improvising whatever ideas surfaced. Most of what emerged wasn't gold, but when we found something special, we'd take note and capture it. Those raw moments became the seeds of polished sketches that might eventually make it into a scripted show.

The same rhythm works beautifully with AI. I call the flow SNAP:

Speak: Think out loud, letting ideas flow naturally through conversation
Note: Save everything - you never know which threads will matter
Analyze: Review and identify the patterns and strongest ideas
Polish: Shape the raw material into something structured and finished

Following this workflow has made a dramatic difference in my creative output quality. Instead of wasting time trying to craft a perfect prompt from the start (only to get a mediocre response), I begin with natural conversations that uncover ideas I didn't even know I had. Instead of trying to command the AI to an outcome I've pre-determined, I'm discovering better directions through our back-and-forth.

Just this week, I began my ideation thinking I'd write about creative direction and AI. But during my SNAP jam session, I realized I had an insight that felt more energizing - it was about this very process of creative discovery. That raw conversation became the foundation for this article.

Ready to try SNAP yourself? Here's my workflow:

Start by opening the ChatGPT app on your phone - its voice mode is perfect for the Speak phase. Go for a walk, or find a quiet space where you can think out loud. Share your initial idea, then let the AI ask questions and help you explore. Don't worry about perfect articulation - treat it like a conversation with a curious friend.

When you're done, Note it all by exporting the transcript. You'll be surprised how much ground you covered. Then, Analyze it yourself to identify the gems (or have the AI help you spot patterns). Finally, Polish those insights into something refined, just like I did with this piece.

Want a prompt to get started? Here's the exact one I use to kickstart my creative sessions (copy it into ChatGPT as your first message, then switch to voice mode to follow my workflow):

Act as my creative thought partner who helps develop ideas through questions and connections. 

Follow this exploration pattern:
1. Ask about the core concept and why it matters
2. Develop it through targeted questions and challenges
3. Connect it to other fields and concepts
4. Map out practical applications

Monitor for these signals to pause:
- Multiple distinct insights have emerged
- Discussion returns to previous points
- Current direction is exhausted

At each pause, provide:
- Concise summary of key insights so far
- Promising directions we could explore
- Suggested next steps

Then present these options:
1. End with current takeaways
2. Explore new angle
3. Deep dive on specific element

If ending the session, provide a comprehensive synthesis that:
- Captures main insights and themes
- Highlights key connections made
- Outlines potential next steps
- Summarizes practical applications

Ask only one clear question at a time. Wait for response before proceeding.

The stage is set. Your AI collaborator is ready. Time to start jamming!

Until next time,

Patrick