Why limit ChatGPT to the plain “question and answer game”? I’ve found this tool can simplify my everyday life in plenty unexpected ways. From streamlining my “cluttered” thoughts to finding that word that was “just on the tip of my tongue”, ChatGPT has become a reliable helper.
In this post (series), I’m sharing outside-the-box ways I (or peers) are using GenAI chatbots like ChatGPT (or its alternatives Gemini, Copilot etc.). For all use cases I’ll also provide hands-on examples and prompt templates. You can try it out yourself.
Please note outputs of AI may not always be reliable, so use such prompting ideas only for inspiration. Without further ado, let’s jump into this article’s 7 clever ChatGPT use cases.
Table of Contents
Streamlining Cluttered Thoughts
The problem? Sometimes it’s tough to put our complex thoughts into the right words.
The solution? Starting a fresh ChatGPT thread and “brain dumping” your messy ideas can help you shape a neat, understandable message. It’s your personal editor who never gets impatient.
For example, at work I tend to take long-winded emails or bloated updates and run them through ChatGPT. The result? Shorter, crisper messages that I can send, e.g., to my boss without sounding all over the place. 😉
Prompt Template:
“ChatGPT, in your role as an expert writer, I need your ability to organize my thoughts. I will start rambling at the end of my prompt related to the topic of [enter topic]. Ask me follow-up questions if any part of my rambling is too vague. Please output a clear and concise [mail / post / update / summary / …]. I’ll start rambling now: [jot down thoughts].”
Tips (Do’s/Don’ts):
- If ChatGPT asks for clarifications, give it. This back-and-forth helps produce a refined final result.
- Try to keep your initial “ramble” somewhat focused (to the degree possible at least). The fewer wild tangents, the better.
“What Was the Word Again?”
The problem? Sometimes you know a word is right on the tip of your tongue, but you can’t quite recall it…
The solution? Describe the word to ChatGPT as best you can – its meaning, approx. length or a situation it’s used in – so it can guess it for you.
For example, I once tried to recall “floccinaucinihilipilification” (= considering something useless and it’s one of (if not) the longest English word). Well, I just gave ChatGPT a few clues about its length and meaning and it figured it out quickly.
Prompt Template:
“ChatGPT, you’re an expert word riddler. There’s a particular word I’m looking for. I’ll give you a few hints now: [Hint 1, 2, …]. Use these clues to suggest the most likely word(s).”
Tips (Do’s/Don’ts):
- Don’t overcomplicate it, usually a handful of clues are enough.
- Don’t use this to cheat in word games like Scrabble. 😉
Summarize Transcripts from YouTube, Podcasts, etc.
The problem? Long videos or podcasts often have lots of fluff – jokes, ads, chatter – when all you want are the key insights.
The solution? Provide ChatGPT with the transcript and ask it to give you the relevant points only. This saves you time and skips needless details.
For example, I watch tons of tutorials, e.g., for running AI on my computer. These can be lengthy and drawn-out. By “copypasting” the transcript into ChatGPT, I get a bullet-point summary of the key steps and take care of details later. Tools like these (click here) can help you get transcripts more conveniently than directly on YT…
Prompt Template:
“ChatGPT, in your role as an expert content writer, please summarize the copypasted transcript of [Podcast / Video] at the end of this prompt. I’m especially interested in [insert interests / points of attention]. Output the summary as clear and concise bullet points.”
Tips (Do’s/Don’ts):
- Entering the YouTube URL directly won’t work in ChatGPT (yet); you need the transcript text. A workaround is using a specialized CustomGPT or Gemini.
- Generally, respect copyrights and use this feature responsibly.
Your Eagle-Eyed Vision Aid
The problem? Occasionally, our eyes aren’t enough, e.g. due to color blindness, poor lighting conditions or when we’re literally searching for the “needle in the haystack.”
The solution? ChatGPT’s “eyes,” i.e., vision feature, can help us find details in images though. While not perfect, it can sometimes point out what we can’t easily see ourselves.
For example, I’ve heard of a colorblind user who took a photo of suspicious bread. ChatGPT confirmed it was moldy. Another time, I snapped a picture of a messy library shelf and ChatGPT guided me to the book I needed.
Prompt Template:
Strongly depends on the context, but e.g. “ChatGPT, you’re acting as my visual aid. Context: [I’m looking at a shelf of mixed-up books]. Task: From the provided photo, find the [desired book]. Output a brief explanation of how you identified it and confirm it matches what I’m looking for.”
Tips (Do’s/Don’ts):
- This obviously only works if you use a GenAI assistant with vision capabilties (e.g. ChatGPT)
- This also isn’t “foolproof”. Double- (and triple-)check if it’s about something important.
Understanding New Sports or Game Rules
The problem? Watching sports you don’t understand or playing new games without knowing the rules can make us feel out of place. (Been there, done that…)
The solution? Just ask ChatGPT for a quick, simple explanation of the rules. This gives you the basics, so you feel more confident joining in.
For example, I never got the offside rule in soccer until ChatGPT gave me a simple rundown. Another time, I asked about the basics of Catan. That helped me feel ready to play without bombarding my peers with endless questions.
Prompt Template:
“ChatGPT, you’re in the role of an expert in games and sports. My level is [beginner / medium / expert]. Please give me a concise rundown of the rules for [insert game / sport aspect, e.g., offside rules in soccer].”
Tips (Do’s/Don’ts):
- No need to memorize every detail. A quick overview often suffices to get started.
- Learn the rest by playing and asking others as you go along.
Avoiding Cultural “Faux Pas”
The problem? Cultural differences are difficult to navigate (which I know from experience). What’s “normal” in one place / situation can be offensive in another – and you may not realize it until it’s too late…
The solution? Use ChatGPT’s “worldly knowledge” by asking it about the do’s and don’ts of foreign cultures. This gives you a heads-up to avoid awkward mishaps.
For example, in some places, showing the sole of your foot is considered disrespectful. So, if you plan to visit an Arabic restaurant (or travel to the region), asking ChatGPT first may help you prevent unintended offense…
Prompt Template:
“ChatGPT, in your role as an expert in global cultures, here’s my context: [describe situation or location]. Please list potential “faux pas” to avoid on body language, greetings, verbal / non-verbal communication etc. Or: ‘Would doing [specific behavior] be a faux pas and why?’”
Tips (Do’s/Don’ts):
- Don’t overthink it. Most people appreciate respectful effort. Asking locals directly is often best, but ChatGPT can provide a quick heads-up.
- Cross-check what ChatGPT says with reputable sources if it seems off.
Everyday Decision Helper
The problem? After too many choices in a row, we start to feel “decision fatigue.” Science shows we only have “so much” willpower each day. So we need to “budget” it wisely.
The solution? Offload some small, non-critical decisions to ChatGPT. This frees up your mental energy for more meaningful things.
For example, I recently took a photo of a beer menu at a bar and asked ChatGPT which option likely suits my taste buds. Another time, around holidays, I scanned a variety of wines and asked for an option that pairs well with our meal.
Prompt Template:
“ChatGPT, you’re in the role of a [sommelier/expert/etc.]. I usually prefer [describe your tastes]. From the [photo/list of options], which would I likely enjoy the most?”
Tips (Do’s/Don’ts):
- Don’t depend on AI for critical choices like allergies or health issues.
- Keep making your own decisions too – this is a helper, not a substitute. OK?
Wrap-up: An Unexpected Ally in All Situations!
In a nutshell, ChatGPT’s versatility keeps surprising me, offering clever ways to tackle everyday challenges and make my (and other’s) life easier. What do you think about the impact of (generative) AI on our daily lives?
I encourage you to try out these use cases and prompts and share your experiences (or tips) in the comments. Also, if you got hooked, please check out the other articles of this series (or my ChatGPT use case/prompt library).
Cheers,
John
What do you think?