20 tested prompts across 4 stages. Works with ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini.

Most people try to use AI for ChatGPT for Analysis with a single vague prompt and get generic results. This guide takes a different approach: 4 targeted stages, from Frame the analysis through Communicate the analysis, each with a prompt that gives the AI exactly the context it needs. Use ChatGPT to structure complex analysis, evaluate options, and surface insights to make smarter decisions. Works with ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini.
Stage 1
Start here to define the question your analysis needs to answer before touching the data.
Define the question
I need to analyze [DESCRIBE THE SITUATION OR DECISION]. Help me sharpen the core question I'm trying to answer and break it into 3-5 sub-questions I need to investigate.
Choose an analysis framework
I need to analyze [DESCRIBE THE SITUATION]. What frameworks are best suited to this type of analysis: SWOT, Porter's Five Forces, cost-benefit, root cause, risk matrix, or something else? Recommend one and explain why.
Identify what you need to know
To make a decision about [DESCRIBE THE DECISION], what information do I need? List the key facts, data points, and unknowns I should gather before proceeding.
Structure the analysis
Create a structured analysis plan for [DESCRIBE THE SITUATION]. Define: the objective, the key questions, the data needed, the analysis approach, and the decision criteria.
Identify biases
I'm analyzing [DESCRIBE THE SITUATION]. What cognitive biases might distort my analysis? How do I check for confirmation bias, availability bias, and anchoring in this specific situation?
Stage 2
These prompts help you run the core analysis and identify what the data is telling you.
Run a SWOT analysis
Run a SWOT analysis for [COMPANY / PRODUCT / INITIATIVE]: [DESCRIBE IT]. Give me: at least 4 items in each quadrant, and identify which strengths and opportunities align most powerfully.
Analyze options
I have these options: [LIST OPTIONS]. Analyze each against these criteria: [LIST CRITERIA]. Create a decision matrix and recommend the best option with your reasoning.
Do a cost-benefit analysis
Do a cost-benefit analysis for [DESCRIBE THE DECISION OR INVESTMENT]. List: all costs (direct, indirect, opportunity costs) and all benefits (tangible and intangible). Recommend based on the net analysis.
Find the root cause
I need to find the root cause of [DESCRIBE THE PROBLEM]. Use the 5 Whys technique: start with the symptom and walk me through to the likely underlying cause.
Analyze risks
Create a risk analysis for [DESCRIBE THE PLAN OR DECISION]. For each risk: likelihood (high/medium/low), impact (high/medium/low), and mitigation strategies. Focus on the risks that are both likely and high-impact.
Stage 3
Use these prompts to make sense of your results and draw the right conclusions.
Synthesize findings
I have these findings from my analysis: [LIST FINDINGS]. Help me synthesize them into 3-5 key insights that directly answer my original question: [YOUR QUESTION].
Identify implications
Given these findings: [LIST FINDINGS], what are the implications for [DESCRIBE: BUSINESS / PRODUCT / DECISION]? What does this mean I should do, change, or stop doing?
Challenge the conclusion
I've reached this conclusion: [DESCRIBE YOUR CONCLUSION]. Play devil's advocate and challenge it. What evidence contradicts it? What assumptions am I making that might be wrong?
Identify what is missing
Review my analysis: [DESCRIBE OR PASTE]. What important factors, perspectives, or data am I not considering? What blind spots do you see?
Write the recommendation
Based on this analysis: [DESCRIBE THE FINDINGS], write a clear recommendation. Format: the recommended action, the rationale (3 key reasons), the risks, and the immediate next steps.
Stage 4
Use these prompts to present your findings clearly to the people who need to act on them.
Write an executive summary
Write an executive summary of this analysis: [DESCRIBE OR PASTE THE ANALYSIS]. Cover: the question analyzed, the key finding, and the recommendation. Under 200 words.
Create a presentation structure
Create a structure for presenting this analysis to [AUDIENCE]: [DESCRIBE THE ANALYSIS]. How do I sequence the story: context, problem, analysis, options, recommendation, and next steps?
Prepare for questions
I'm presenting this analysis to [AUDIENCE]: [DESCRIBE]. What are the 5-7 toughest questions they will ask? Write concise answers to each.
Write a one-pager
Summarize this analysis as a one-page briefing document: [DESCRIBE THE ANALYSIS]. Include: context, key findings, recommendation, and implications. Use headers for scannability.
Visualize the findings
What visualizations would best communicate these findings: [LIST FINDINGS]? Suggest the right chart types and describe what each should show.
Strategic analysis (SWOT, competitive), decision analysis (options evaluation, cost-benefit), problem diagnosis (root cause analysis), and risk assessment. It is most useful when you give it structured information and ask it to apply a specific framework.
ChatGPT can analyze data you paste into the conversation. For large datasets, it is more useful for explaining analysis approaches, writing code to analyze the data, and interpreting results once you have run the numbers.
Provide as much specific context as possible. Ask ChatGPT to show its reasoning, not just conclusions. Challenge the output by asking for counter-arguments. Use AI analysis as a first pass, not a final answer.
It depends on the decision. SWOT for strategic planning, 5 Whys for diagnosing problems, decision matrices for comparing options, and cost-benefit for investment decisions. ChatGPT can help you choose and apply the right framework.
Yes, with the information you provide. Paste competitor information, marketing copy, pricing data, or public statements and ChatGPT will analyze patterns, strengths, weaknesses, and implications for your strategy.
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