If you're new to AI it might feel like it's too late to ask how to get started. This is especially true if everyone around you is scrolling through Sora 2 videos and prompting ChatGPT like a pro.
Of course, being "new" to AI is subjective. It's hard to Google anything now without an AI Overview, even shopping on Amazon means you might get prompted by Rufus, the site's personal AI shopping assistant.
But when it comes to getting the most out of AI tools like ChatGPT, Gemini and Claude, there's a single prompt that can show you how chatbots can actually make your life easier.
Prompting 101
If you’ve never used a chatbot like ChatGPT before, you’re not alone in wondering where do I even start? Most people type something random like “What's the weather in my area” or “Tell me a joke.” It’s fun for a few seconds, but it doesn’t show what AI can actually do for you. It's also not Google, which is something new users tend to forget.
So when friends ask me how to begin, I always give them the ten words that flip the light switch on:
“I’m new to this — can you show me three things you can do that would actually make my life easier?”
That’s it. One question that turns an awkward first chat into a personal demo.
Why this prompt works
Most new users expect instant genius from AI, which is disappointing to say the least. There's nothing worse than a generic reply. The secret is giving context.
That's why the single prompt tells the model who you are (a beginner), what you want (practical help) and your tone.
When I tested this across different chatbots, each responded in a way that revealed its personality:
- ChatGPT offered creative help like writing emails, planning meals and breaking down tough topics.
- Gemini focused on productivity like creative summaries, reminders and research outlines.
- Claude leaned into clarity and writing support, and offering bullet points to help break down complex ideas.
So even if you're familiar with ChatGPT but haven't explored other alternatives to ChatGPT, in just a few minutes, you get a mini-tour of each tool’s strengths.
The next step: go deeper
After the AI gives its list, don’t stop there. Follow up with:
“Show me exactly how you’d do that for me.”
That’s where the magic happens. Suddenly you’re not just asking AI something, you're actuallyk collaborating with it, which if you ask me is the entire purpose of AI. The chat shifts from question-and-answer to genuine co-creation.
Try follow-ups like:
- “What could you help me automate right now?”
- “Act as my personal assistant for ten minutes.”
- “Give me ideas for using you at work or school.”
- Each small tweak teaches you more about how prompting works.
Each small tweak teaches you more about how prompting works.
Bottom line
I've been testing ChatGPT for years now, but I still remember my first prompt. This is a little embarrassing, but I'll tell you, my trusted readers. The prompt was: "What is ChatGPT?" I assure you, the first thing I ever Googled was much cooler, I still remember that one too. Maybe I'll drop it in the comments.
My point is, even now as an AI expert, I started somewhere that wasn't perfect. That's why I've come up with this prompt to help family, friends and strangers new to AI.
It sparks that “oh wow” moment; the realization that AI isn’t here to replace you, it’s here to help you. Give this prompt a try and let me know how it helps you learn faster and gain confidence with AI tools sooner.
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More from Tom's Guide
- OpenAI’s leaked GPT-5.1 ‘Thinking’ model could outsmart Gemini 3 Pro — here’s why that matters
- 9 creative prompts to unlock your best ideas in ChatGP — straight from OpenAI’s top‑100 list
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