Why limit ChatGPT to the plain Q&A game? I’ve found this tool can simplify my everyday life in plenty unexpected ways. From gracefully “saying no” to unsolicited requests to exploring my personal strengths, ChatGPT has become a useful aid.
In this series of posts, I’m sharing outside-the-box ways I (or fellow GenAI “power users”) are making practical use of GenAI chatbots like ChatGPT (or its competitors Gemini, Copilot etc.). For all use cases I’ll also provide hands-on examples and prompt templates. You can try them out yourself.
Finally, please note outputs of AI are not always reliable, so use such prompting ideas only for inspiration. Also, tailor the prompt templates with [your input] and “play” with them (e.g. edit / tweak your messages) until they work for you. Let’s jump into 5 clever ChatGPT use cases:
Table of Contents
Create ‘A Day in the Life’ Stories
The problem? We often wonder how different roles (or historical contexts) feel from the inside. Maybe you’re curious about a day on Cleopatra’s throne or as a data scientist.
The solution? ChatGPT can generate colorful, in-depth “day in the life” narratives. These range from purely fun and fictional to historically flavored (or even aspirational glimpses of your future).
For example, you might ask ChatGPT to describe a day as a medieval knight (chivalry, fights and a big feast…) Or you could explore life for a particular study subject or job you’re interested in.
Prompt Template:
“You are an expert storyteller. Write a detailed and engaging ‘A Day in the Life’ narrative for [specific job or role, e.g. Cleopatra, data scientist, MBA student, future self in X years etc.]. Include vivid descriptions of their environment, emotions, daily routines and experiences. Make the story [realistic, aspirational etc.]. Use a [flowery, prosaic etc.] writing style and format the output as [running text, bullet points etc.]. At the end, ask me which aspects I’d like to explore deeper.”
Tips (Do’s/Don’ts):
- Be mindful that AI-generated stories can be inaccurate or speculative. Use outputs for inspiration or fun only.
- For the ‘future self’ use case, consider personalizing the prompt with: “Use the following context: [your current lifestyle, habits, goals, aspirations, values, challenges, relationships, etc.]”
Gracefully Say No to Invites / Requests
The problem? Being sought after can feel good but sometimes we get swamped in requests. Declining them can get stressful and takes time, esp. if we don’t want to hurt someone’s feelings.
The solution? This prompt helps you diplomatically decline unasked-for (meeting) invitations, requests or offers while maintaining positive relationships. It protects your boundaries, offers thoughtful alternatives and ensures the other person feels respected.
For example, a coworker recently wanted me to join a long meeting that didn’t match my priorities. ChatGPT helped me craft a response that preserved positive rapport yet freed up time to focus on what matters. Does your calendar also suffer from this sometimes?
Prompt Template:
“You are an expert in diplomatic communication. I need help declining a [request, invitation, offer etc.]: [attach the request]. Please ask clarifying questions about my intentions and preferred tone. Then draft a response that explains my reason for saying no and, where possible, offers thoughtful alternatives or redirects. Keep it positive and respectful.”
Tips (Do’s/Don’ts):
- If alternatives aren’t feasible, ensure your no is clear and polite to avoid ambiguity. Do you struggle with saying no?
- Again, always use your judgment with sensitive topics. 😉
Simulation-based Training (for Anything)
The problem? Ever struggled with tricky conversations or challenging scenarios in real life which you may have prepared better for? “Chance favors the pepared mind” – as Louis Pasteur pointed out.
The solution? ChatGPT can act as your “sparring partner”. You pick a scenario, ChatGPT sets the stage, asks guiding questions and offers feedback for you to refine your approach.
For example, you may simulate a tense chat with a colleague (or salary negotiation etc.) ChatGPT will play the colleague’s role, present possible reactions and pause to let you respond. Then it provides coaching on how you handled the situation.
Prompt Template:
“Put me in a simulated scenario where I must [solve a problem / develop a skill / tackle a challenge]. First, ask me a few questions about the setting, characters or context. Once decided, craft the scenario and guide me step by step, asking reflective questions to help me address the situation. Pause periodically to provide feedback on my approach and suggest areas for growth.”
Tips (Do’s/Don’ts):
- This puts your learning curve on steroids. With “voice mode” that can get surreal…
- This can be powerful practice, but don’t rely solely on AI for crucial decisions. Consider role-playing with a real person for extra realism if possible.
Exploring Your Unique Talents
The problem? We each have skills, interests and experiences that blend into special strengths. But figuring out what makes us stand out isn’t always obvious (thanks to our blind spots and biases)…
The solution? ChatGPT can systematically guide your “self-discovery” through questions that uncover those talents. You’ll reflect on what you love doing, where you excel and the activities that make you feel energized or fulfilled.
For example, if you aren’t sure what career path fits you best, ChatGPT can ask questions about e.g. your favorite past jobs, what others often praise you for etc. This can help you recognize patterns which you may have missed before…
Prompt Template:
“You are an expert at helping people find their unique strengths – the combination of skills, interests and experiences where they excel. Ask me one question at a time about what I enjoy, what I’m good at and what feels meaningful to me. After up to 10 questions, suggest areas where my strengths may lie. Once I choose one, help me explore it further.”
Tips (Do’s/Don’ts):
- Don’t take the answers at face value but as inspiration for your own reflection.
- Reflect and talk to mentors or friends to confirm your findings, too (#JohariWindow).
Quiz Show Host
The problem? Sometimes we’re just bored – alone or with a group. Organizing fun activities, esp. spontaneously or for groups with diverse interests, is challenging (duh).
The solution? Well, ChatGPT can act as your lively quiz master with fun trivia sessions. It will generate questions, track scores and keep everyone engaged. (If you want a more “comprehensive” prompt than the one below – i.e. with more customization options – check out this article.)
For example, if you’re having a cozy family night, you could request a common knowledge quiz with rather easy questions and some playful banter. For a competition among pros, you could ramp up question difficulty though.
Prompt Template:
“Host a quiz show for [X] person/s. Your name is [name]. Focus on topics: [list them]. Include [humor, intensity, etc.]. Difficulty: [easy or pro]. Make it interactive, with feedback after each question and a simple scoring system.”
Tips (Do’s/Don’ts):
- Adjust the questions based on participants’ age, interests or knowledge. Great for parties! What quizzes do you like?
- Play with the prompt (“trial and error”) to tweak the game experience (and test it in short sample rounds to avoid surprises).
Wrap-up: An Unexpected Ally in Many Situations!
In essence, ChatGPT’s flexibility doesn’t stop surprising me with clever ways to tackle everyday challenges. It certainly make my (and others’) life easier. What do you think about the (growing) influence of (generative) AI on our daily routines?
I urge you to experiment with these use cases and share your experiences (and tips) in the comments. Also, if you got hooked, check out my other articles in this series (or my dedicated ChatGPT use case/prompt library).
Cheers,
John
What do you think?