OpenAI’s recent update, GPT-4-turbo, has introduced new capabilities, especially regarding nuanced problem-solving. But surprisingly, most people haven’t yet learned how to harness its true power. Many are still stuck using basic prompts, completely missing out on this model’s advanced processing abilities.
Today, we will show you a prompt structure we call the "Battle Royale Method," which lets ChatGPT produce, analyze, and rank solutions with incredible depth. Using this prompt format, ChatGPT can pit different ideas against one another, refining the list until only the best option stands. Imagine you’re brainstorming brand names, event ideas, or even the structure for a complex project. This method allows you to optimize those ideas through "elimination rounds" until only the top pick remains.
Let’s dive into how this works!
How to Use the “Battle Royale” Prompting Method
The “Battle Royale” prompt aims to produce a comprehensive list of ideas and systematically narrow it down through elimination rounds. The method involves creating an initial list and then having ChatGPT assess each idea by comparing them and narrowing down the contenders until only the winner remains.
Here’s how to use this prompt step-by-step:
Step 1: Setting Up the Scenario
Let’s say you want to choose a name for a new line of eco-friendly kitchen products. This line aims to emphasize sustainability, affordability, and modern design. Here’s the initial prompt setup:
Prompt Setup: “You are tasked with naming a new line of eco-friendly kitchen products. This line will focus on affordable, sustainable materials, and modern design. You will use a ‘Battle Royale’ method to find the best name for this line. Follow these steps carefully.”
Step 2: Generate the List
Ask ChatGPT to create a list of initial ideas.
Prompt (Generate List): “Generate a list of 20 distinct names for the eco-friendly kitchen product line. Each name should reflect sustainability, affordability, and modern style. Be creative but ensure clarity and relevance to the theme.”
Step 3: Conducting the Battle Rounds
Once ChatGPT generates the initial list, the “Battle Royale” begins. Each stage in this battle involves pairing ideas, analyzing them based on set criteria, and choosing the best from each pair.
Round of 20: Pair the 20 names into 10 matchups (pairs). Ask ChatGPT to analyze each pair based on:
Clarity in representing the eco-friendly theme.
Appeal to a modern, budget-conscious consumer.
Catchiness and memorability.
Prompt (Round of 20): “Pair the 20 names into 10 matchups. Choose a winner from each pair based on clarity of eco-friendly representation, appeal to a modern budget-conscious audience, and catchiness. Briefly explain the choice for each winner.”
Round of 10 (Quarterfinals): Take the 10 winners from the previous round and pair them into 5 matchups. Repeat the evaluation, choosing a winner from each.
Round of 5 (Semifinals): Pair the 5 remaining names into 2 matchups and automatically advance the fifth name to the finals if you have an uneven number of contestants.
Final Round: Compare the final two (or three) names based on all the criteria above, choosing the top name that best represents the eco-friendly kitchen product line.
Prompt (Final Round): “Compare the final names based on clarity, appeal, catchiness, and potential impact. Provide a detailed explanation of why the chosen name stands out as the best.”
Step 4: Final Output
At the end of the battle, ChatGPT should present a fully ranked list from best to least preferred. Here’s how you might frame it in the prompt:
Prompt (Final Output): “Provide the complete list of names ranked from best to worst. Include the final chosen name with an explanation of why it was selected as the best among all options.”
Real Example in Action
Following this method for an eco-friendly kitchen product line, here’s what ChatGPT produced as its final top 10 names (in ranked order):
EcoChef Essentials (winner)
Earthly Essentials
GreenHome Kitchen
PurePantry Line
Modern Nature
Kitchen Renewal
Green & Simple
PureForm Kitchen
Earthware Basics
Fresh Planet Line
And here’s why it chose EcoChef Essentials:
Why “EcoChef Essentials” Was Selected
Memorability: “EcoChef” is short, memorable, and catchy. The alliteration makes it easy to remember and stands out among eco-friendly brands.
Theme Representation: The name encapsulates both the “eco” theme and the idea of kitchen essentials, suggesting practical, sustainable products that elevate cooking experiences.
Appeal and Uniqueness: The term “Chef” adds an aspirational quality, appealing to those who love cooking and care about the environment, while “Essentials” keeps it grounded as a practical choice.
Clarity: The name clearly indicates that this line is centered on eco-friendly kitchen products, making it easy for potential customers to immediately understand the focus.
Conclusion
The “Battle Royale” prompting method helps you get more from ChatGPT than just a list of ideas—it lets you refine and rank them in a structured, thoughtful way. Instead of simply generating names, you can now produce a hierarchy with reasons why each item rises or falls in rank.
Whether you’re naming a new product, brainstorming project themes, or crafting social media strategies, this method enables ChatGPT to “think” through a process, providing you with a refined and ranked set of results. It’s an easy way to level up your prompting strategy, tapping into the full potential of GPT-4-turbo’s processing abilities.
Bonus Tip: The Iterative Tournament
Want to explore even more ideas? You could take the top 5 names from the initial list and ask ChatGPT to generate 15 new variations inspired by those. From there, start the tournament again to produce even fresher ideas and see if any contenders can beat out the initial winner.
FAQs
1. Can I use the “Battle Royale” method for purposes other than brainstorming names?
Yes! This method works well for any scenario where you need to compare and refine a list of options, such as social media post ideas, product features, or potential strategies.
2. Why is this method better than a simple brainstorming list?
The “Battle Royale” method takes ChatGPT beyond generating ideas—it provides rankings and reasoning, making the results more actionable.
3. Can I adjust the criteria in each round?
Absolutely. Depending on your needs, you can modify the criteria to focus on specific qualities, like creativity, cost-effectiveness, or market appeal.
4. How many ideas can I start with?
While 20-32 ideas is a good range to keep it manageable, you can start with as few as 10 or as many as 64 if you’re up for a more complex tournament.
5. Will ChatGPT’s preferences always align with human tastes?
ChatGPT can mimic preferences well, but it’s always wise to use its rankings as guidance. Adding your own judgment to refine the results can help tailor them further to your unique style or market.