Rapid Fire: Beginner Guide on How to Use ChatGPT as a Writer
Quick beginner tips on using Chat-GPT for writing in the right way!
The whole site seems to be too populated with AI and ChatGPT topics recently, so I won’t beat around the bush as much.
First off…
This is not a guide for beginner writers trying to start by using ChatGPT!
This is for writers trying to start writing using ChatGPT.
I do not forbid it, but I highly recommend to well establish your skill base as a writer first as it will benefit you in the long run.
But if you are a beginner, I hope you learn backwards well in your journey.
Whenever you’re using AI to write, it’s always best to keep in mind that;
YOU ARE THE WRITER, AND AI IS A TOOL.
NOT THE OTHER WAY AROUND.
Let’s Begin!
Be Careful With Your Data
When you are writing something that involves internal, confidential, or any form of sensitive data, be sure to turn off “Improve Model for Everyone”.
Turning it off helps prevent your data from being used to train and fine-tune the model.
Just go to Settings > Data Controls > Improve the Model for Everyone.
Use The Latest Model Version
Simply avoid using the ChatGPT 3.5 version since it has limited training data. Luckily, the free version gives you access to ChatGPT 4o-mini, which gives you more advanced capabilities.
If you want to maximize your use, you can upgrade your plan. But if your budget is limited, you can still take advantage of your limited use of ChatGPT-4o.
Be precise with your prompts
One of the best ways to maximize ChatGPT is to be precise with your prompts. Don’t be vague and general with your queries and hope for the best output.
Be sure to instruct ChatGPT methodically to generate the output that incorporates your writing and other parameters you apply such as;
- Tone
- Dialect
- Target Audience
- Use of passive or active voice
- Maximum or minimum word count
- Word or character count per sentence
- Sentence count per paragraph
- The formatting or H tag structure
- The focus of your content (value, trust, curiosity, etc.)
- Or even mention the focus keyword (if you’re writing blogs)
- Etc.
Leverage Web Browsing Feature
The latest versions of the model allow for Web Browsing, which works similarly to RAG (Retrieval-Augmented Generation).
Web Browsing allows you to provide ChatGPT with links to articles or other web pages and then summarize them or gather details.
This helps you further strengthen your prompt by specifying your data sources and avoiding fluff and hallucinations.
Beware of the fluffs
Despite how amazing ChatGPT is, it’s still not perfect. ChatGPT can still provide a fluffy output no matter how good of a prompt you give.
They may be in the form of redundant points, excessive flowery articulation, information not included in your provided source or outright hallucinations.
Thoroughly review the output from start to finish and revise where needed.
Remember Who You Are
At the end of the day; YOU ARE THE WRITER. Make sure not to leave the entire work to ChatGPT, regardless of the parameters you give and how precise its output can be, it will still write in its own style.
ChatGPT can only give you a base that you can work on and mold into your writing. Rewrite and edit the output that fits exactly or at least the closest to your own style.
Keep in Mind
There is no shame into using ChatGPT or any other AI tools to use in writing. They are tools and that is their purpose. Unless of course your workplace or client forbids it for particular reasons.
That’s why in the end, it’s really important to not over rely on AI. Strive to maintain and continuously improve your skill as a writer.
If you’re interested in other writing related tips, check out my article on how reading can help with writing.
