HOW TO USE CHATGPT?

Using ChatGPT is straightforward - it's just chatting, but how you chat makes a big difference in what you get back.

Here's a quick start guide:

1. Get set up

• Go to chat.openai.com or download the ChatGPT app on iOS / Android.
• Create an account with email, Google, or Apple ID. The free plan works fine to start.
• Log in and you'll see a blank chat box - that's it.

2. Learn the basic interface

New Chat: starts a fresh conversation. Use this when you switch topics.

Message box: where you type your prompt. Hit Enter to send.

History sidebar: all your past chats are saved there.

Models: If you're on free, you'll be on GPT-4o mini / GPT-4o. Paid plans let you pick GPT-4o, GPT-4.5, o3 reasoning models, etc.

3. How to write good prompts

This is the real skill. Don't just write "write essay".

Try this formula:

Role + Task + Context + Format

Bad: `Help me with email`

Good: `You are my professional assistant. Write a short, polite email to my client saying the project will be delayed by 2 days because of server issues. Keep it formal and under 100 words.`

Pro tips:

• Be specific: Say what you want, how long, what tone. "Explain like I'm 12", "make a table", "give me 5 bullet points".
• Give context: Paste the text you want summarized, describe your goal, tell it who it's for.
• Iterate: First answer not perfect? Say "make it shorter", "more casual", "add examples", "now convert it to Malay".
• Use follow-ups: You don't need to restart. ChatGPT remembers this chat. Ask "what if I change X?" and it will build on it.
• Set constraints: "Don't use jargon", "use only sources from 2024", "ask me questions first before you answer".

4. What it's great for

• Writing & editing: emails, captions, CVs, scripts, Instagram posts
• Learning: explain complex topics, summarize articles, translate, practice languages
• Work: brainstorm ideas, make spreadsheets formulas, write code, debug code, create outlines
• Everyday: meal plans, travel itineraries, workout plans, gift ideas

Just paste what you have: "Here's my resume, improve it for a marketing job" works better than a vague request.

5. Features most people miss

• Upload files/images: You can upload a PDF, screenshot, or photo and say "summarize this" or "what does this error mean?"
• Voice mode: In the mobile app, tap the headphone icon to talk to it.
• Custom Instructions: In Settings > Personalization, you can tell it "I live in Malaysia, I run a small business, reply concisely" so you don't have to repeat it.
• Canvas / Code: Ask "open canvas" for writing or coding - it gives you an editable document on the side.

6. What to watch out for

1. It can be wrong or make up facts. Always double-check important info, prices, laws, medical advice.
2. Don't share sensitive personal data like IC, bank details, passwords.
3. If it gives a bad answer, tell it why. It learns from your feedback in that chat.

EXAMPLES OF PROMPTS

1. For Viral Hooks & Ideas

Prompt A - Hook Generator

You are a viral short-form content strategist for Malaysia. My niche is [your niche - e.g. lifestyle in KL / tech tips / food]. My audience is [e.g. 20-35yo Malaysians].

Give me 15 scroll-stopping hooks for Reels/TikTok about [topic]. Rules: under 10 words, curiosity-driven, mix Bahasa Rojak + English, include 3 negative hooks, 3 "POV" hooks, and 3 "I wish I knew this earlier" hooks.

Prompt B - Content Pillars

Act as my content strategist. I create content about [your 2-3 topics]. Generate a content pillar table with 4 pillars. For each pillar, give 5 content ideas, the best format (Reel/Carousel/Threads), and one CTA. Make it relevant for Malaysian audience in 2026.

2. For Instagram Reels / Tik Tok Scripts

Prompt C - 30 Second Script

Write a 30-second Reel script about [topic]. Structure: Hook (0-3s), Problem (3-10s), Value/Tutorial (10-25s), CTA (25-30s). Tone: casual, friendly, like talking to a friend. Add on-screen text suggestions and B-roll ideas. My name is Zul.

Prompt D - Repurpose Long to Short:

I have this long text/video transcript: [paste transcript].

Repurpose it into 3 different short-form videos: 1) 15-sec punchy version, 2) Storytelling version, 3) Tutorial version. Give me script + caption + 3 hashtags for each.

3. For Instagram Carousels & Captions

Prompt E - Carousel Builder

Create a 7-slide Instagram carousel about [topic].

Slide 1: bold hook

Slides 2-6: one valuable point per slide, max 15 words per slide

Slide 7: CTA

Write the slide text + design direction (e.g. font style, visual idea). Then write a SEO-friendly caption with keywords.

4. For Threads / Twitter Growth

Prompt G - Threads Thread

Turn this idea [your idea] into a 5-post Threads thread. Post 1 = strong hook that makes people click. Posts 2-4 = value with line breaks for readability. Post 5 = CTA to follow. Tone: authentic, no corporate buzzwords. Add 1 relatable Malaysian reference.

5. For Consistency (My Favourite)

Prompt H - 7-Day Content Calendar

You are my content manager. My niche: [niche]. I can post [e.g. 4x per week]. I want to grow on Instagram and Threads.

Build me a 7-day content calendar in a table: Date | Platform | Format | Topic / Hook | Caption Idea | CTA. Reuse 2 ideas from my previous content about [paste 2-3 past topics] to save time.

Propt I - Batch B-Roll Ideas:

I want to batch film content this weekend in Ulu Klang / KL. Give me 20 B-roll shots I can film in 2 hours at home/cafe/street that I can reuse for 10 different Reels about [your niche]. List shot + how to use it.

Hj Zulheimy Maamor

20 August 2026: 9.51 p.m