Ask clearly, get better answers

What ChatGPT does well

ChatGPT is made by OpenAI; this free course is independent and not affiliated with or endorsed by OpenAI.

ChatGPT is an AI assistant from OpenAI. You write or speak a request, and it replies in plain language. It is useful for drafting, explaining, summarizing, brainstorming, translating and practicing. Which features you see depends on your plan and app version, so check the current help pages.

It is not a mind reader and not a perfect source of facts. It predicts helpful text, which can sound right when it is wrong. Treat it like a fast assistant who needs good instructions and whose work you review.

The four-part request

Give the task, the context, the audience and the format. Weak: "Help with my résumé." Strong: "Help me rewrite the experience section of my résumé for a customer service job. I worked six years at a pharmacy counter in Brazil. Use five short bullet points that start with action verbs. Do not invent numbers."

The strong version tells ChatGPT what you are making, what you have, what shape you want, and what to avoid. Adding a rule such as "do not invent numbers" matters, because the tool may fill gaps with believable details.

Steer with follow-ups

Your first request starts the work. Your follow-ups finish it. Say "make it warmer," "cut it by half," "use simpler words" or "give me three different openings." You can also say "that is not what I meant, I need X." Short, specific corrections work better than starting over.

Try asking for options: "Give me three versions: formal, friendly and very short." Pick one and refine it. If you are stuck, ask: "What information would help you do this better?" Then answer its questions.

Worked example: a complaint letter

A traveler in Kenya had a flight cancelled with no refund. They write: "Draft a complaint to the airline. Flight was cancelled on [date], I paid for the ticket, no refund after [time]. I want a refund or a rebooking. Calm, firm tone, under 150 words." ChatGPT produces a draft.

The traveler checks every date and fact, removes anything not true, and adds the booking reference. They do not send the first draft blindly. The tool saved time on structure and tone, while the person kept responsibility for the facts.