ChatGPT for the Absolute Beginner
Get started now. It is not too late.
Here's What You're About to Learn
ChatGPT can make improve your writing (if you know how to prompt it).
You're about to get the brainstorming partner you never knew you needed (and who never interrupts you).
Zero tech skills required. Seriously. If you can send a text message, you can master this.
How I Accidentally Befriended ChatGPT
Let me be brutally honest: I hated ChatGPT at first.
Not just disliked. Hated.
Every response felt like it came from that one colleague who uses way too many buzzwords and somehow makes "circle back" sound even more annoying than it already is. You know the type.
But here's the thing about being stubborn… sometimes it pays off. Instead of giving up, I kept poking at this thing. Trial and error. And more error. Lots of cursing at my computer.
Then something clicked. I finally started to get answers that were actually useful. Did ChatGPT suddenly get smarter? No. With practice, I figured out how to make it behave like I needed.
Two years later? I use ChatGPT every single day. It's changed how I write, think through problems, and organize my chaotic brain. From unimpressed to utterly converted in 24 months.
The transformation was dramatic. At first, maybe 1 out of 10 attempts gave me something useful. Now? I'd say 9 out of 10 responses actually help. (Image generation is still a disaster—I've given up trying to make it work. I use Midjourney instead. In fact, all the images in this newsletter were created by Midjourney. Prompts are in the captions.)
Want to know the secret that changed everything?
I stopped treating it like Google and started treating it like a conversation.
I don’t expect to get what I need on the first try. Now I go back and forth, refining and tweaking until I get what I need. It usually takes a few rounds. Sometimes more if I'm being particularly picky or my first prompt isn’t specific enough or lacks the necessary context.
This newsletter is for people who are exactly where I was—curious but skeptical, maybe a little intimidated, definitely overwhelmed by all the hype.
By the end, you'll either be confidently using ChatGPT or you'll have smart reasons for avoiding it. Either way, you'll have done your homework.
What the Heck Is ChatGPT, Anyway?
ChatGPT is a type of artificial intelligence called a "large language model," designed to generate human-like text based on the instructions you give it. It has been trained on vast amounts of text data, allowing it to recognize patterns and predict what words are likely to come next in a sentence.
Does it think? Probably not the way you and I do. Does it understand? That's a philosophical rabbit hole we don't need to go down today.
Here's what matters: It can help you communicate better, faster, and with less mental energy.
And yes, people absolutely start talking about ChatGPT like it's human. I catch myself doing it:
"ChatGPT thinks we should go on vacation in Uruguay.”
"Let me ask ChatGPT. He was helpful last time"
"ChatGPT's being weird today"
Is this dangerous? Maybe. Is it useful? Absolutely.
Why Should You Care About Learning This?
Because communication is everything.
Every email you send. Every report you write. Every text where you're trying not to sound passive-aggressive (we've all been there). Every time you stare at a blank page wondering how to start.
AI tools aren't just for nerds like me. They're for anyone who wants to:
Write clearer emails that people actually read
Stop spending 20 minutes crafting the "perfect" text message
Turn scattered thoughts into organized ideas
Get unstuck when you know what you want to say but can't figure out how to say it
How ChatGPT Makes Me Seem Brilliant
I spend most of my waking hours writing. Emails, reports, grant proposals, blog posts, speeches. If it involves words, I'm probably doing it.
I realize I’m in the minority here, but I actually enjoy writing. I know, I know. Most people would rather get a root canal than write a grant proposal. But there's something satisfying about getting your thoughts onto paper in a way that actually connects with readers.
The problem? Good writing takes time. Lots of it.
Take emails. They're not just information delivery systems. A well-crafted email can build relationships, solve problems, and get things done.
But writing thoughtfully? When you've got seventeen other things competing for your attention? Yeah, that's where ChatGPT comes in.
Here's how I actually use it:
Making emails scannable (because nobody reads pages of text anymore)
Finding the right words when I know what I mean but can't figure out how to say it diplomatically
Cutting the fluff from long documents without losing the important bits
Translating technical jargon into language actual humans can understand
Adapting tone for different audiences (writing to a potential donor is different than writing to a friend)
The key insight? ChatGPT can't make decisions for you. It doesn't know your goals, your relationships, or your situation. But it can make the process of writing about 10 times easier.
Your Step-by-Step Guide to Getting Started (Finally)
Alright, enough theory. Let's get you set up.
Step 1: Just Go There
Open any web browser
Type chatgpt.com
You'll see a simple text box at the bottom
That's it. No download required. No complicated setup. You can literally start typing right now.
Step 2: Free Test Drive (No Account Needed)
Try this: Type "Give me three reasons why pizza is the perfect food" and hit Enter.
Boom. You just used AI. High five!
Step 3: Make It Official (Recommended)
Click "Sign up" and create a free account. Why?
Your conversations get saved (so you can actually remember that brilliant idea ChatGPT helped you work through)
It works on any device (phone, laptop, that ancient tablet you keep meaning to upgrade)
Faster responses (because waiting is annoying)
The free version is perfect for beginners. Seriously. Don't overthink it.
What about ChatGPT Plus? It's $20/month and gives you access to fancier models and faster speeds. But honestly? Start with free. See if you even like this whole AI thing before you start paying for premium features.
The Art of Talking to Machines (It's Easier Than You Think)
Time for some real talk about "prompting"—which is just a fancy word for "typing instructions into ChatGPT."
The internet is flooded with courses promising to make you a "prompt engineering master." Most of it is overcomplicating things to sound smart.
Here's the truth: You already know how to do this.
Think of ChatGPT like that really capable intern who's eager to help but needs clear direction. You wouldn't just walk up to them and say "Write something." You'd give context, explain what you need, and probably refine the request a few times.
Same deal here.
The Simple Formula That Actually Works
Context + Task + Specifics = Better Results
Let me show you:
❌ Lazy prompt: "Write an email"
❌ Better but still vague: "Write a professional email about a meeting change"
✅ Actually useful: "Write a brief, friendly email to my 5-person development committee letting them know Tuesday's 2 PM fundraising strategy meeting is moving to Thursday at 10 AM. Keep it casual but clear."
See the difference? The third one gives ChatGPT everything it needs to write something you might actually use.
Your Beginner's Prompting Toolkit
Start With These Templates:
For Editing: Make this [clearer/shorter/more professional]: [paste your text]
For Writing from Scratch: Write a [type of thing] to [audience] about [topic] in a [tone] tone
For Ideas: Give me 5 different ways to [your challenge]
For Explaining: "Explain [complex topic] like I'm [your situation/background]
Add Context That Actually Helps:
Instead of: "Write a work email" Add: "I'm a project manager writing to stakeholders who are worried about delays"
Instead of: "Help me with social media" Add: "I run a small bakery and want to post about our new gluten-free options for health-conscious customers"
The more specific you are, the better ChatGPT can help. It can't read your mind (yet), so spell it out.
Let's Get Real About a Controversial Topic (And Why I'm Using It as an Example)
Fair warning: I'm about to use wedding etiquette as my example. Specifically, the thorny issue of child-free ceremonies.
Why this topic? Because it perfectly demonstrates ChatGPT's superpower: helping you find the words that communicate what you want to and (most importantly) how you want to.
This same skill has helped me write difficult emails, talking points, and grant proposals that actually get approved. Anytime I know what I need to say but not how to say it diplomatically, ChatGPT is my go-to.
Ready for some hate mail? Let's do this.
Example 1: The Basic (Terrible) Approach
Me: "Write about no kids at weddings"
ChatGPT: [Generic, potentially offensive response that helps nobody]
Example 2: Getting Warmer
Me: "Write an email explaining that kids aren't invited to the wedding ceremony"
ChatGPT: [Better structure, but still missing important nuance]
Example 3: Actually Useful
Me: "Write a warm, diplomatic email to my sister explaining that while we love kids, we've decided on an adults-only ceremony for space and atmosphere reasons. Kids are absolutely welcome at the reception. Make it clear this isn't personal and we've thought this through carefully."
Now we're getting somewhere. Context matters. Tone matters. Relationship matters.
ChatGPT can help you find the right words for tough conversations—but you have to give it the right information first.
Some Do's and Don’ts
DO These Things (Trust Me):
Be ridiculously specific. "Make this better" is useless. "Make this email friendlier but still professional, and cut it to under 100 words" is gold.
Treat it like a conversation. First draft stinks? Give feedback: "This is too formal" or "Add more warmth" or "You sound like a robot."
Ask for options. "Give me 5 different subject lines" or "Show me 3 ways to say this" gives you choices instead of being stuck with whatever ChatGPT spits out first.
Keep refining. The magic happens in rounds 2-4, not round 1.
DON'T Do These Things (Learn From My Mistakes):
Don't use it like Google. Need the capital of Montana? Google it. Need help writing a diplomatic response to your boss? ChatGPT's your friend.
Don't accept the first response. Ever. I don't care if it looks perfect. Ask for tweaks, alternatives, or improvements. You'll be amazed what happens.
Don't put in sensitive information. Assume anything you type could be seen by others. I’m not sure that it will, but be cautious.
Don't trust it blindly. ChatGPT makes stuff up sometimes. Not maliciously—it just doesn't know when to say "I don't know."
The Truth About ChatGPT's Biggest Weakness
ChatGPT lies. Not on purpose, but it lies.
Well, "lies" is dramatic. Let's call it "creatively fills in gaps when it should admit ignorance."
Example: I asked ChatGPT in early 2025 about TikTok's status in the US. It gave me outdated information and mentioned Biden administration policies—two weeks after Trump was inaugurated.
Why did this happen?
Its training data has a cutoff date (it doesn't know about recent events)
It hates saying "I don't know" (so it makes educated guesses that can be wrong)
It can misunderstand your question (especially with complex or ambiguous requests)
The solution? Always double-check important facts, dates, statistics, and current events. Use ChatGPT for structure, tone, and ideas—not as your fact-checking service.
Another flaw is ChatGPT’s unique writing style that if you’re not careful, will make it obvious that the chatbot wrote your stuff. Here are a few to watch out for:
The dreaded em dash (—). It is a legitimate punctuation mark that ChatGPT overuses.
Overuse of certain words and phrases. I’ve had to tell ChatGPT to never use “transformative,” “delve,” or “beacon of hope.” 🙄
Repetitive sentence structure, especially "It's not just X, it's also Y.”
Three Exercises That Will Change How You Think About AI
Ready to get your hands dirty? These aren't just practice exercises—they're tools you'll actually use once you see how well they work.
Exercise #1: The Quick Fix
What you're learning: How to improve writing you've already done
Step by step:
Find something you wrote recently (email draft, text message, work document)
Go to chatgpt.com
Type: "Make this clearer and more concise:"
Paste your text
Hit Enter
Try this example:
"We need to ensure that our team has a comprehensive understanding of the project goals so that we can all align on next steps and move forward effectively."
What ChatGPT might give you:
"Our team needs to understand the project goals so we can align and move forward effectively."
Boom. Same meaning, half the words. That's the power of having an editing partner who never gets tired of making your writing better.
Exercise #2: The Difficult Conversation
What you're learning: How AI can help structure sensitive communications
Pick a real situation: Maybe you need to decline an invitation, address a work conflict, or explain a boundary to family.
Try this template: "Write a [tone] [type of message] to [person/audience] explaining [situation]. Make it [specific tone guidance]."
Example: "Write a diplomatic email to my sister explaining that kids are welcome at our wedding reception but not the ceremony. Make it warm but clear that this decision is final."
What happens next: ChatGPT gives you a draft. Read it. Then give feedback:
"Make it warmer"
"Add more explanation about why"
"This sounds too formal—make it more like how I actually talk, warm and caring."
Keep going until it feels right. This isn't about finding perfection—it's about getting a solid starting point.
Exercise #3: The Brainstorm
What you're learning: How to generate ideas you wouldn't have thought of alone
Pick a real challenge you're facing. Work problem, personal dilemma, creative project… really anything.
Use this prompt: "Give me 5 different approaches to [your specific challenge]"
Example: "Give me 5 different ways to word a wedding invitation that indicates children aren't invited to the ceremony."
Sample responses:
“We kindly request an adults-only ceremony. Children are warmly welcome at the reception.”
“Please join us for an adults-only ceremony, followed by a family-friendly reception.”
“Our ceremony will be for adults only, but we can’t wait to celebrate with you and your children afterward.”
“To keep our ceremony intimate, we ask that it be adults-only. Children are invited to join the festivities at the reception.”
“We love your little ones! While the ceremony will be adults-only, they are welcome to join us for the reception celebration.”
Don't love any of them? Tell ChatGPT what you liked about specific options and ask for more. Or give it constraints: "Make these shorter" or "Less formal" or "Don't use the word 'respectfully.'"
The point: You just got 5 different approaches to a tricky problem in about 30 seconds. Even if none are perfect, they're all starting points you can build on.
What We Just Covered (And Why It Matters)
Three ways ChatGPT can actually help you:
Editing: Turn messy thoughts into clear communication
Drafting: Get past the blank page paralysis
Brainstorming: Generate ideas you wouldn't have considered
The key insight: ChatGPT isn't magic. It's a tool that gets better the more you use it—and the more specific you are about what you need.
Most important takeaway: This is a conversation, not a one-shot command. The best results come from back-and-forth refinement, not hoping for perfection on the first try.
Until then, go experiment. Try the exercises. See what works. Break things (you can't actually break ChatGPT, so don't worry).
Most importantly? Don't let perfect be the enemy of useful. You're not trying to become an AI expert overnight. You're just trying to make your communication a little easier, a little clearer, and a little more effective.
And honestly? That's enough to change everything.
Questions? Success stories? Epic failures that taught you something? Hit reply or post a comment. I actually read these and love hearing how people are using (or not using) these tools in real life.
Now go write something with your new BFF.
Good overview, Mollie. I might add -- if you want AI to provide more in-depth research and show the sources for the information (along with links), I recommend a ChatGPT competitor -- Perplexity. Also free.