Your First Conversation with ChatGPT

Welcome to Your First AI Conversation

Think of ChatGPT as a smart friend who's read most of the internet. You can ask it questions, have it help with tasks, or even just chat. The trick is knowing how to ask.

What is ChatGPT, anyway?

The simple version: ChatGPT is an AI that understands and generates text. You type something, it reads it, and types back a response. That's it.

What it's good at:

• Explaining complex topics in simple language
• Helping you write emails, texts, or documents
• Brainstorming ideas for anything
• Answering questions about most topics
• Breaking down problems step-by-step
• Summarizing long articles or documents

What it's NOT:

• A search engine (it can't browse the web in real-time)
• Always correct (it sometimes makes mistakes)
• A replacement for professional advice (legal, medical, etc.)
• Able to access your personal data (unless you share it)

Getting Started: Your First Prompt

Bad first prompt:

"AI"

ChatGPT doesn't know what you want. Are you asking what AI is? Do you want AI news? Too vague.

Better first prompt:

"Explain artificial intelligence to me like I'm 10 years old."

This works because:

• It's specific (explain AI)
• It sets the tone (simple language)
• ChatGPT knows exactly what to do

Even better:

"Explain artificial intelligence to me like I'm 10 years old. Use examples from everyday life, and keep it under 200 words."

Now you've added:

• Context (everyday examples)
• Length preference (under 200 words)

The 3-Part Prompt Formula

Every good prompt has three parts:

1. Context (What's the situation?)

"I'm a complete beginner learning about AI..."

2. Task (What do you want?)

"...explain to me how ChatGPT works..."

3. Format (How should the answer look?)

"...in 3 bullet points using simple language."

Full example:

"I'm a complete beginner learning about AI. Explain to me how ChatGPT works in 3 bullet points using simple language."

Real Examples You Can Try Now

Help with writing:

"I need to write an email to my landlord about a broken faucet. Keep it polite but firm. The faucet has been leaking for 2 weeks."

Explain something:

"Explain how email works to someone who has never used it before. Use simple analogies."

Get ideas:

"I'm planning a surprise birthday party for my mom who loves gardening. Give me 5 creative gift ideas under $50."

Simplify information:

"Summarize this article in 3 sentences: [paste article text]"

Learn something new:

"Teach me how to make perfect scrambled eggs. Give me step-by-step instructions like I've never cooked before."

Following Up: The Conversation Part

ChatGPT remembers what you said earlier in the conversation. Use this!

First message:

"Explain the difference between weather and climate."

Follow-up messages:

"Can you give me an example?"
"That makes sense. Now explain it to my 8-year-old daughter."
"What about hurricanes? Are those weather or climate?"

Each response builds on the previous ones. You don't need to re-explain everything.

When ChatGPT Gets It Wrong

It happens. ChatGPT sometimes:

• Makes up facts ("hallucinates")
• Gets dates or numbers wrong
• Misunderstands your question

How to handle it:

"Are you sure about that? Can you double-check?"
"That doesn't sound right. Let me rephrase: [clearer question]"
"Can you explain your reasoning?"

Always verify important information with Google, official sources, or experts.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Being too vague
❌ "Help"
✅ "Help me write a resume for a marketing job. I have 5 years of experience in social media."

2. Asking for real-time info
❌ "What's the weather today?"
✅ "What are typical weather patterns in Seattle during summer?"

3. Not giving context
❌ "Is this a good idea?"
✅ "I'm thinking of starting a small bakery in my neighborhood. I have $10,000 saved and baking experience. Is this a good idea?"

4. Expecting mind-reading
❌ "You know what I mean."
✅ Be specific—ChatGPT can't read your mind!

ChatGPT vs. Google: When to Use Which

Use ChatGPT when you want:

• Explanations in simple language
• Help writing something
• Ideas and brainstorming
• Step-by-step instructions
• To understand concepts

Use Google when you need:

• Current news or events
• Specific facts (dates, prices, locations)
• Official documents or sources
• Local business information
• Images or videos

Pro tip: Use both! Google something, then ask ChatGPT to explain what you found.

Practice Exercise: Your Turn

Try these prompts right now (seriously, open ChatGPT and try them):

Exercise 1: Explain something

"Explain how a microwave oven works to someone who's never seen one. Use simple language and a fun analogy."

Exercise 2: Get help with a task

"Help me plan a 30-minute home workout routine. I have no equipment and I'm a beginner. Make it fun, not painful!"

Exercise 3: Follow-up conversation
First ask:

"What's the easiest houseplant for beginners?"

Then follow up with:

"How much sunlight does it need?"
"What if I forget to water it?"
"Where can I buy one?"

Your First Conversation Checklist

Before you close this lesson, make sure you can:

• Explain what ChatGPT is good at (and not good at)
• Write a prompt with context, task, and format
• Ask follow-up questions in a conversation
• Know when to use ChatGPT vs. Google
• Spot when ChatGPT might be making a mistake

What's Next

You've learned how to have your first conversation with ChatGPT. In the next module, you'll learn how to use AI voice assistants for more than just "Hey Google, set a timer."

Voice assistants can do complex tasks, control your home, and even order groceries—but only if you know how to talk to them. Let's unlock that power next.