If you’ve ever typed out a long, polite question to ChatGPT and then sighed at the vague response you got back, you’re not alone. While the AI is powerful, how you use it can make a huge difference. With a few simple tweaks, you can turn it from “just okay” to shockingly efficient. Here are five game-changing tricks to get better, faster results every time you chat.
1. Keep it short and sharp
It’s tempting to be wordy, mainly when you’re used to writing like you're drafting an email. But with ChatGPT, less is more. A 2024 study by Stanford and OpenAI showed that concise prompts not only improved response accuracy by 22% but also delivered answers up to 40% faster.
So, instead of saying “Could you please help me figure out which phone has the better camera between these two models…”, say “Compare these phone cameras”. Being direct saves time — and reduces confusion.
2. Start with a strong action verb
Forget the niceties. ChatGPT isn’t offended by abruptness. If you want results, start your prompt with a clear command: Compare. Summarize. Write. Translate. Suggest.
For example, don’t say, “I was wondering if you could maybe help me write a few points about…” Instead, say “List five bullet points about…”. This helps the AI lock onto your intent instantly, lowering the risk of a misfire.
3. Add details later, not all at once
You don’t need to front-load every last detail into a single prompt. Overstuffed messages often lead to half-baked responses where the AI misses key parts.
Instead, start with a focused question and refine it as you go. Think of it like building a puzzle — begin with the edges, then fill in the centre. ChatGPT works beautifully in back-and-forth mode, so lean into the iterative process.
4. Edit your prompts after submitting
Made a typo? Realised halfway through that you should’ve phrased things differently? You don’t have to start from scratch. Just stop the AI mid-response and edit your original prompt.
Click the little pencil icon next to your message, make your changes, and then press Enter again. It’s a quick fix that can save you from getting caught in unnecessary clarification loops.
5. Use custom instructions to guide tone and format
If you often ask for the same style of reply — say, always in bullet points, or in a formal tone, or with UK spelling — you can save time by setting up custom instructions.
Just tap your profile icon in the top-right corner, select “Customize ChatGPT,” and tell it what you’d like it always to consider. Whether it’s tone, format, or even preferred vocabulary, these personal settings make your sessions feel tailor-made — because they are.
ChatGPT isn’t just a clever chatbot — it’s a tool that responds directly to how you use it. With a bit of strategy, you can dramatically improve your results without needing to be a prompt engineer.
Got a favorite trick of your own? Pass it on — and keep the good prompts rolling.
