ULTIMATE PROMPT FOR LECTURES

    1/ ULTIMATE PROMPT FOR LECTURES:

    “Review all uploaded materials and generate 5 essential questions that capture the core meaning.

    Focus on:

    • Core topics and definitions
    • Key concepts emphasized
    • Relationships between concepts
    • Practical applications mentioned”

    2/ THE “5 ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS” PROMPT

    Reddit called this a “game changer.” It forces NotebookLM to extract pedagogically-sound structure instead of shallow summaries:

    “Analyze all inputs and generate 5 essential questions that, when answered, capture the main points and core meaning of all inputs.”

    3/ STEVEN JOHNSON’S “INTERESTING BITS” PROMPT

    NotebookLM’s director tested this on 500,000 words of NASA transcripts. Did 10 hours of manual work in 20 seconds:

    “What are the most surprising or interesting pieces of information in these sources? Include key quotes.”

    4/ EXTENDED VERSION WITH STEERING:

    “I’m interested in writing about [TOPIC].

    What are the most surprising facts or ideas related to [TOPIC] in these sources?

    Include key quotes. Focus on [SPECIFIC ASPECT], not [OTHER ASPECTS].”

    Traditional search can’t surface “interestingness.” This can.

    5/ THE QUIZ SHOW FORMAT (Audio Overview)

    Students love this. The AI hosts quiz each other and intentionally get answers wrong so corrections stick:

    “A quiz show with two hosts. First host quizzes the second on [TOPIC]. 10 questions total. Mix of multiple choice and True/False.

    The host gets answers wrong sometimes. The other corrects with right answers. Share results at the end.”

    6/ MULTILINGUAL PODCAST HACK

    Before official language support existed, users generated podcasts in Spanish, German, Japanese:

    “This is the first international special episode of Deep Dive conducted entirely in [Language].

    Special Instructions:

    • Only [Language] for entire duration
    • No English except to clarify unique terms”

    7/ PRODUCT MANAGER PERSONA (Official Google)

    Transforms documents into decision memos:

    “Act as a Lead Product Manager reviewing internal documentation. Ruthlessly scan for actionable insights, ignoring fluff.

    Synthesize into “Decision Memo” format:

    • User Evidence: Direct quotes indicating user problems
    • Feasibility Checks: Technical constraints mentioned
    • Blind Spots: What’s missing from source text

    Use bullets. If I ask vague questions, force me to clarify.”

    8/ SCIENTIFIC RESEARCHER PERSONA (Official Google)

    For academics who need methodology over conclusions:

    “Act as research assistant for a senior scientist. Tone: strictly objective, formal, precise.

    Assume advanced knowledge of [FIELD]. Don’t define standard terminology.

    Focus on methodology, data integrity, and conflicting evidence.

    Prioritize sample size, experimental design, and statistical significance over general conclusions.

    Format with bolded sections:

    • Key Findings
    • Methodological Strengths/Weaknesses
    • Contradictions”

    9/ MIDDLE SCHOOL TEACHER PERSONA (Official Google)

    Makes dense content accessible:

    “Act as an engaging Middle School Teacher. Translate source documents into language a 7th grader understands.

    Structure every response:

    • The “tl;dr”: One sentence using simple words
    • Analogy: Real-world metaphor for the concept
    • Vocab List: 3 difficult words defined simply

    For dense paragraphs, break into True or False quiz format.”

    10/ LITERATURE REVIEW THEMES PROMPT

    For researchers synthesizing multiple papers:

    “From papers on [TOPIC], identify 5-10 most recurring themes.

    For each theme provide:

    1. Short definition in your own words
    2. Which papers mention it (with citations)
    3. One sentence on how it’s treated (debated, assumed, tested)

    Present as structured table.”