5 Clever ChatGPT Tricks You Didn’t Know You Needed

Introduction

ChatGPT is a powerhouse of a tool, but let’s be honest—most of us are barely scratching the surface. We ask it to summarize articles, write emails, or explain quantum physics in layman’s terms (yes, I’ve done that). But there’s more to this AI than meets the eye. Today, I’m sharing five clever, under-the-radar tricks to make ChatGPT work harder for you. Think of this as upgrading from a flip phone to a smartphone—same device, way more potential. Let’s dive in.

1. Master the Art of Prompt Engineering

If ChatGPT is a genie, your prompt is the magic phrase. A vague wish gets you a vague answer. Want better results? Get specific. Prompt engineering is about crafting inputs that guide the AI to deliver exactly what you need. It’s like giving a chef a detailed recipe instead of just saying, “Make something tasty.”

Here’s a quick example. Instead of asking:

“Write a blog post about coding.”

Try:

“Write a 500-word blog post for beginner developers explaining how to set up a TypeScript project with Node.js, including step-by-step instructions and a simple code example.”

The second prompt narrows the focus, sets expectations, and ensures actionable output. Pro tip: Use phrases like “step-by-step,” “explain like I’m 5,” or “include examples” to steer the tone and depth. Experiment with a few variations, and you’ll see the difference.

2. Use ChatGPT as a Code Debugging Buddy

Stuck on a bug that’s driving you up the wall? ChatGPT can be your second pair of eyes. It’s not just for writing code—it’s surprisingly good at spotting logic errors or suggesting optimizations. Think of it as a rubber duck that actually talks back (and occasionally gets it right).

Let’s say you’ve got a TypeScript function that’s misbehaving:

interface User {
  id: number;
  name: string;
}

function filterUsers(users: User[], minId: number): User[] {
  return users.filter(user => user.id > minId);
}

const users: User[] = [
  { id: 1, name: 'Alice' },
  { id: 5, name: 'Bob' },
  { id: 3, name: 'Charlie' }
];

console.log(filterUsers(users, 2)); // Expecting [{ id: 5, name: 'Bob' }]

If the output isn’t what you expect, paste the code into ChatGPT with a note like, “This function isn’t filtering correctly—can you help spot the issue?” Often, it’ll point out edge cases or suggest tweaks. Just don’t treat it as gospel—verify the suggestions. AI isn’t perfect, but it’s a solid starting point.

3. Automate Repetitive Tasks with Templates

Got a task you do over and over, like drafting emails or generating reports? ChatGPT can help you build reusable templates to save time. It’s like setting up a keyboard shortcut for your brain. Create a base prompt that outlines the structure, tone, and key details, then tweak it as needed.

For instance, if you’re constantly writing follow-up emails, start with:

“Write a polite follow-up email to [Name] about [Topic]. Mention that I sent a previous email on [Date] and ask for an update on [Specific Request]. Keep the tone professional but friendly.”

Save this as a template, plug in the variables, and let ChatGPT do the rest. You can apply this to code snippets, project outlines, or even brainstorming sessions. It’s a small trick with a big payoff if you’re juggling repetitive work.

4. Role-Play for Better Context

Here’s a fun one: assign ChatGPT a role to get more tailored responses. Need marketing advice? Tell it to act as a “seasoned CMO with 20 years of experience.” Writing a sci-fi story? Make it a “bestselling author of speculative fiction.” It’s like hiring a consultant without the hourly rate.

Try this prompt:

“Act as a senior TypeScript developer. Review this code for best practices and suggest improvements for readability and performance.”

Then paste your code (like the filterUsers example above). The AI will often frame its feedback from the perspective of that role, adding depth and relevance. It’s not foolproof, but it can shift the tone and focus in ways that feel surprisingly human.

5. Chain Prompts for Complex Workflows

Big projects can overwhelm even the best of us. ChatGPT shines when you break tasks into smaller, sequential prompts—a technique called prompt chaining. It’s like building a house: lay the foundation first, then add the walls, not all at once.

Let’s say you’re creating a small app. Start with:

“Outline the structure of a simple TypeScript to-do list API with Express.js. Include the main endpoints and their purposes.”

Once you have the outline, follow up with:

“Write the code for the POST /todos endpoint to add a new task. Include input validation.”

Keep chaining prompts to refine each piece. This approach keeps the AI focused and prevents it from spitting out a wall of unrelated code or ideas. It’s perfect for writing, coding, or planning anything complex.

Wrapping Up

ChatGPT isn’t just a chatbot—it’s a Swiss Army knife for productivity, creativity, and problem-solving. With these five tricks—prompt engineering, debugging help, templates, role-playing, and prompt chaining—you can squeeze more value out of every interaction. Start small, experiment, and see where these hacks take you. Got a favorite ChatGPT tip of your own? Drop it in the comments—I’m all ears. Until then, happy prompting!