Why limit ChatGPT to just answering “plain” questions? I’ve found this tool can simplify my daily life in ways I never expected. From identifying plants with tailored care tips to drafting less hot-headed emails, ChatGPT has become a dependable helper.
In this post (series), I’m sharing “clever” ways I (or friends of mine) are using AI chatbots like ChatGPT (or alternatives like Gemini, Copilot etc.).
Please note that outputs of AI may not always be reliable, so use such prompting ideas only for inspiration. Without further ado, let’s jump into the seven cool use cases – maybe you can also try some of them out:
Table of Contents
Identifying Plants and Giving Care Tips
I never had a green thumb, but even for gardening pros sometimes knowing how to care for a new plant can be tricky. I started using ChatGPT to snap photos of my plants and it provides accurate identification and tailored care tips. For instance, with a quick photo, ChatGPT helped me identify our “Peace Lily” and suggest specific watering and sunlight requirements.
This use case and ChatGPT’s advice has helped my plants thrive and boosted my confidence as a gardener and made my thumb a little greener so to say… 😉
Creating Personal Bedtime Stories for (Big) Kids
A colleague shared how ChatGPT transformed bedtime for his kids by creating unique stories tailored to their interests. One night, his son was a brave knight who took care of a nasty dragon. Such stories can spark children’s imagination and creativity. It has even become a nightly ritual for them already, strengthening their bond and making bedtime something they both look forward to.
Btw, who says these stories just need to be for children though? Maybe you can craft your own, personalized fantasy story like Lord of the Rings, Star Wars etc.
Drafting “Cool-headed” and Professional Emails
We’ve all had moments when drafting an email feels annoying, especially when emotions run high. ChatGPT helps me draft respectful and professional emails in such cases, turning potentially confrontational situations into constructive dialogue. For example, when I needed to address a misunderstanding with a colleague from another department with a different work culture, ChatGPT helped me articulate my points diplomatically and see the issue from their perspective, too.
Anyway, sometimes just taking a step back and returning to the topic with a cooler head can work of course, too…
Decoding Cryptic Menus in Restaurants
Dining out can sometimes be surprisingly difficult, especially with unfamiliar menus. One night at a local restaurant, I faced a menu without any explanations – just some fancy wines on it. I took a photo of it and ChatGPT decoded the items, providing detailed descriptions and personalized recommendations based on what I told it I like.
This surprising use case not only “made my evening” but also helped me discover a new favorite wine. ChatGPT with its vast knowledge and visual capabilities is like a personal sommelier in your pocket.
Extracting Data from Screenshots Easily
Making use of data can be tedious, particularly when it’s trapped in screenshots or on paper. I like using ChatGPT’s visual (OCR) capabilities to convert info from screenshots or paper/whiteboards etc. (via camera) into a digital format. This digital data I can then copypaste wherever I need it, e.g., in Excel.
Protip from experience: Sometimes when the tables are bigger, it works better (in terms of accuracy) if you make it in multiple turns, e.g. first only one half, then the other half of the table in a second prompt etc.
Crafting Effective ChatGPT Prompts
Getting the best responses from ChatGPT often depends on how well you craft prompts. ChatGPT itself is also surprisingly good at turning your unstructured ideas into clearcut prompts. You can find the “meta-prompt of all prompts to create perfect prompts” in my prompt library. It kinda feels like cheating as this is the only prompt you will ever need…
Generally, I’ve learned to create detailed/specific prompts, ensuring I get the most relevant and comprehensive answers and use ChatGPT’s abilities to the fullest (“garbage in, garbage out”). For creating great ChatGPT prompts there are proven and simple frameworks like “CTF” (“context – task – format”, as explained in my article on effective prompting).
Preparing for Important Interviews
Interview prep can be nerve-wracking, but ChatGPT has made it much simpler (especially with its latest “conversation mode”). I heard, for example, from a startup that uses ChatGPT to prepare for important investor meetings. They generate potential questions and practice their responses, incorporating key points to make their “pitch perfect”.
Whether you’re gearing up for job interviews, investor pitches, or academic presentations, ChatGPT can simulate relevant scenarios. It’s a fantastic free alternative to paid mock interview services, helping you shine in any interview setting: Practice makes perfect!
Wrapping it up: An Unexpected Ally!
In a nutshell, ChatGPT’s versatility really surprises me again and again, offering insane ways to tackle everyday challenges. Whether it’s helping with gardening, crafting engaging stories, or prepping for interviews, this GenAI-powerd helper has made my (and many other’s) life easier.
What do you think about the (unforeseeable) impacts of artificial intelligence on our everyday lifes? I encourage you to try out these tips and share your experiences (and other tips) in the comments below.
Cheers,
John
What do you think?