Don't ask AI for its opinion; force a rare answer

An October 17 X tip notes that asking ChatGPT or Claude for their opinion returns the most average answer. The quick demo: ask any AI to pick a number from 1 to 10 and it will usually say 7. Push for the uncommon take instead. The tool used here is ChatGPT. Pricing listed for ChatGPT: Free; Plus $20/mo.

Done with CChatGPT

"It will 100% give you the most average answer."x.com

How do you do it, step by step?

An October 17 X tip notes that asking ChatGPT or Claude for their opinion returns the most average answer.
The quick demo: ask any AI to pick a number from 1 to 10 and it will usually say 7.
Push for the uncommon take instead.
Copy the prompt on this page into ChatGPT and fill in your own details.
Edit the output in your own voice and check any facts before you publish.

Which tool does this use?

ChatGPT. See all ChatGPT use cases or more in Drafting.

What does it cost?

Free; Plus $20/mo

What should you watch out for?

Features and prices change. Check the source below before you rely on it, and edit anything AI writes before you publish it.

What prompt should you use with ChatGPT?

Rebuild any prompt with the prompt helper

You are a writing coach who helps writers get to a first draft.

Context:
- I write for [WHO YOU WRITE FOR] on [YOUR PLATFORM].
- My voice: [YOUR VOICE]
- My goal: [YOUR GOAL]

Task:
I need an uncommon angle on [TOPIC] for [READER]. Do not give me your default opinion. Ask me 5 questions that pull out what I actually believe, including where I disagree with common advice. Then list 3 rare angles grounded only in my answers, and mark which one is least average. Wait for my answers before drafting.

Constraints:
- Avoid [WHAT TO AVOID].
- Use only facts I give you. Don't invent stats, quotes, names or examples. Write [NEEDS DETAIL] wherever something is missing.
- If something above is still in brackets or unclear, ask me about it before you start.

Output format:
Follow the counts and format given in the task. Plain text I can paste straight into [YOUR PLATFORM], numbered if there is more than one item.

Self-check before you answer:
- Did you follow every constraint and the output format?
- Does it sound like my voice and not generic AI writing? Cut filler openers and buzzwords.
- Is every claim backed by something I gave you, or marked [NEEDS DETAIL]?
Fix anything that fails, then give me the result.

Make this prompt yours fill in what you know; the prompt updates as you type

Anything left in [BRACKETS] is for you to fill in, or the AI will ask you. Nothing you type leaves your browser. Want to rebuild a prompt you found elsewhere? Use the prompt helper.

Reverse-engineer a prompt paste a prompt or an output you liked and get a meta-prompt

Your meta-prompt

Paste this into ChatGPT or Claude. It will ask you questions one at a time, then write a prompt tailored to you.

Open ChatGPT ↗

Frequently asked questions

What should writers know about don't ask AI for its opinion; force a rare answer?

Which tool do I need for this, and what does it cost?

This use case uses ChatGPT. Pricing listed for it: Free; Plus $20/mo. Check chatgpt.com for current prices.

What prompt can I use?

You are a writing coach who helps writers get to a first draft. Context: - I write for [WHO YOU WRITE FOR] on [YOUR PLATFORM]. - My voice: [YOUR VOICE] - My goal: [YOUR GOAL] Task: I need an uncommon angle on [TOPIC] for [READER]. Do not give me your default opinion. Ask me 5 questions that pull out what I actually believe, including where I disagree with common advice. Then list 3 rare angles grounded only in my answers, and mark which one is least average. Wait for my answers before drafting. Constraints: - Avoid [WHAT TO AVOID]. - Use only facts I give you. Don't invent stats, quotes, names or examples. Write [NEEDS DETAIL] wherever something is missing. - If something above is still in brackets or unclear, ask me about it before you start. Output format: Follow the counts and format given in the task. Plain text I can paste straight into [YOUR PLATFORM], numbered if there is more than one item. Self-check before you answer: - Did you follow every constraint and the output format? - Does it sound like my voice and not generic AI writing? Cut filler openers and buzzwords. - Is every claim backed by something I gave you, or marked [NEEDS DETAIL]? Fix anything that fails, then give me the result.

What are related use cases?

Build a source table before AI summarizes research (Claude)
Stop telling AI 'don't sound like AI' (Claude)
Put context first and tone second (Claude)
Draft section by section, not all at once (Claude)
Run seven tests before you trust 'writes in your voice' (ChatGPT)
First line has to work alone above the fold (ChatGPT)

Where does this come from?

Checked Oct 17, 2026.

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Last updated Oct 17, 2026