What you’ll learn
The problem: Getting started with AI can feel confusing when you’re unsure what to ask or how to get a useful answer.
How AI can help: An AI chat can respond to everyday questions and adjust its ideas when you give it more details.
In this lesson: You’ll ask for a weekend checklist, request a change, and check whether the answer fits.
What you’ll need: A phone, tablet, or computer with an internet connection and access to an AI chat. We’ll use ChatGPT as an example.
Before you start: Use the made-up examples below. Don’t share passwords, account numbers, or sensitive personal or work information.
1. Open ChatGPT
Open ChatGPT (opens in a new tab). A free option is available, although access and limits can vary. If you’re asked to sign in or create an account, follow the on-screen instructions.
Keep this lesson open. You can switch between the lesson and your ChatGPT tab as you go.
2. Ask your first question
Find the message box, usually near the bottom of the ChatGPT screen. Type the sentence below, or copy it and paste it into the message box. Then press Enter or tap the send button, which may look like an arrow.
Your first message:
Help me make a simple checklist for a relaxing weekend at home.
Need help copying and pasting?
On a computer: Select the sentence above. Copy it with Ctrl+C on Windows or Command+C on a Mac. Switch to your ChatGPT tab, click the message box, and paste with Ctrl+V or Command+V.
On a phone or tablet: Touch and hold the sentence, adjust the selection handles if needed, and choose Copy. Switch to your ChatGPT tab, touch and hold the message box, and choose Paste.
If the Copy button doesn’t work, use these steps or type the sentence yourself. After pasting, remember to send the message.
Read the answer. Notice which ideas you like and which ones you would leave out.
3. Ask for a change
In the same conversation, type or copy the next message into the message box and send it. A second request like this is called a follow-up.
Your follow-up message:
Make it shorter. I have two hours, want to spend little money, and would like to include a walk.
AI should adjust its answer. If it misses something, tell it what to change.
What a helpful answer might look like
This is an example we wrote for the lesson, not a recorded AI response. Your answer may use different words or ideas.
- Take a 30-minute walk.
- Make lunch at home for 30 minutes.
- Read for 30 minutes.
- Spend 30 minutes relaxing or listening to music.
That adds up to two hours, includes a walk, and suggests low-cost activities. You decide which ideas are right for you.
4. Check the answer
Look at the reply you received and ask yourself:
- Does it fit roughly two hours?
- Does it include a walk and keep spending low?
- Are the suggestions useful to me?
If not, ask for another change. For important facts—such as prices, opening hours, or directions—check a reliable source before acting.
Try it with your own idea
Now choose something that matters to you. For example, ask for a rainy-day plan, an affordable outing, or ideas for a family visit. Add a helpful detail, such as how much time you have, and ask AI to change anything that doesn’t fit.
For example: “Help me plan a rainy afternoon for my family. We have two hours and want to spend very little. Give me three ideas.”
What if I get stuck?
I’m asked to sign in. Follow the on-screen instructions, or use another AI chat you already have. Access can vary.
I can’t find where to type. Look for a message box near the bottom of the chat screen. Click or tap it before typing.
The answer isn’t what I wanted. In the same chat, explain what to change. For example: “Please use simpler ideas and keep the plan under one hour.”
You’ve finished when: You’ve sent a question, asked for a change, and checked whether the new answer fits your request.
Try the next lesson: Write a better email or message →
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Need more help opening ChatGPT? See ChatGPT’s getting-started guide.