Obsidian Plugin Dev’s Tips for Using AI in Your Vault: How to Ask Good Questions and Discover the Truth

Obsidian Plugin Dev’s Tips for Using AI in Your Vault: How to Ask Good Questions and Discover the Truth

In the world of Obsidian plugin development, incorporating AI into your vault can greatly enhance your experience and productivity. However, in order to fully harness the power of AI, it is crucial to ask good questions that can lead you to discover the truth. Whether you are using AI as an intellectual sparring partner or seeking insights from your own data, here are some tips to help you make the most out of this technology.

1. Embrace Closed Questions: Jerry Seinfeld, the renowned comedian, has a secret technique for talking to regular people - asking questions to which the answer is a number. This approach not only stimulates critical thinking but also encourages individuals to reflect more deeply and share their thought process. By asking closed questions, you can elicit emotions, feelings, beliefs, wants, and needs from the person you are engaging with. For example, instead of asking "How has it come to this?", try asking "What happened to you?" to uncover a person's personal journey.

2. Utilize Story-Eliciting Questions: Humans naturally think in narratives, and leveraging this tendency can lead to more meaningful conversations. Shawn Callahan, an executive coach specializing in business storytelling, coined the term "Story-eliciting Questions." These are questions that prompt individuals to share their experiences, allowing you to delve deeper into their perspectives. One universal story-eliciting question is "What happened?" By using this question to follow up on everyday statements, such as "I've made a pact with the devil," you can uncover the underlying story behind it and gain a deeper understanding of the person's motivations.

3. Employ Calibrated Questions: Calibrated Questions, developed by former FBI hostage negotiator Chris Voss, are powerful tools for keeping conversations flowing and gathering valuable information. These questions start with "how" and are tailored to the context of the situation. Calibrated Questions put pressure on the respondent to come up with answers and contemplate problems, leading to more thoughtful and insightful discussions. Voss emphasizes that calibrated "How" questions are particularly effective in negotiations, as they keep the dialogue going and encourage the other party to consider alternative perspectives.

By incorporating these three techniques into your conversations, you can effectively use AI as an intellectual sparring partner in your Obsidian vault. However, it's important to remember that asking good questions is not just about the techniques you employ but also about the mindset you bring to the conversation. It's crucial to approach conversations with curiosity, empathy, and a genuine desire to understand the truth.

In conclusion, by utilizing closed questions, story-eliciting questions, and calibrated questions, you can enhance your interactions with AI and uncover valuable insights within your Obsidian vault. Remember to approach conversations with an open mind and a sincere interest in discovering the truth. So, next time you engage with AI, consider these tips and watch as your understanding and productivity soar to new heights.