11 ChatGPT Prompts to Supercharge Your Workday

ChatGPT is a powerful tool, but its effectiveness hinges on the prompts you provide. Whether you're new to AI or a seasoned user, mastering the art of prompting can transform your workday. Here are 11 beginner-friendly prompts to tackle common work challenges and boost your productivity.

You Can’t Get Your Head Around a Long Document or Report

**Prompt:** “Can you summarize this [email/report/article] in under 300 words?”

When you're overwhelmed by a lengthy document, this prompt can help you distill the key points. Just paste the text and ask for a summary. You can request bullet points or a specific tone if needed. Remember to fact-check and proofread the results before using them in external communications.

You Need to Send a Polite but Firm Email

**Prompt:** “Can you help me write a follow-up email that’s polite but firm?”

If you're struggling to draft a reply, especially one where tone matters, this prompt can help. Provide the initial email, more details about your message, or even a rough draft for feedback or refinement. Think of it as a tone check when you're unsure.

You’re Overwhelmed

**Prompt:** “I have too much to do and I’m overwhelmed. Can you help me turn this into a prioritized to-do list?”

This prompt is perfect for organizing your thoughts. List all your tasks and ask ChatGPT to sort them by urgency or energy level. It's a quick way to calm the chaos and start somewhere.

You’re Panicking

**Prompt:** “I’m panicking about [insert issue]. Can you walk me through a simple breathing exercise, one step at a time?”

While ChatGPT isn't a therapist, it can guide you through breathing or grounding techniques when you're spiraling. Be specific and ask for a step-by-step approach to avoid information overload.

You’re Onboarding Someone New

**Prompt:** “I need help explaining [complex topic] to someone new. Can you simplify it without losing the key points?”

This prompt is ideal for onboarding materials, training sessions, or writing documentation. It helps you shift into a beginner's mindset and make complex topics more accessible.

You’re Negotiating

**Prompt:** “Can we role-play a salary negotiation? Pretend you’re my manager and I’m asking for a pay rise.”

One of ChatGPT’s strengths is being a rehearsal partner. Practicing conversations can boost your confidence and help you prepare for different scenarios.

You’re Running a Meeting and Don’t Know Where to Begin

**Prompt:** “I’m running a meeting about [topic]. Can you help me write an agenda and some discussion points?”

Whether it’s a brainstorm, strategy session, or team check-in, this prompt provides a solid structure quickly. You can also ask for time estimates, ways to encourage participation, or follow-up actions.

You’re Staring at a Blank Page

**Prompt:** “Suggest an outline for a blog post about [topic], for [audience], in a [tone] tone.”

This prompt is perfect when you’re intimidated by a blank page. The more detail you provide, the better. It can help you get started and explore different tones.

You Need to Simplify Something Complex

**Prompt:** “Rewrite this paragraph to make it clearer and easier to read.”

This prompt is ideal for reports, emails, presentations, or social media posts. You can also follow up with requests to make it more casual, confident, or conversational.

You’re Stuck Naming Something

**Prompt:** “I need a name for this [project/report/initiative]. Can you give me 10 creative but relevant options?”

Naming things can be challenging. ChatGPT can push your thinking in new directions, even if it doesn’t always land the perfect solution.

You Want to Make Sure You Haven’t Missed Anything

**Prompt:** “I’m working on [task/project]. What questions should I be asking to make sure I’ve covered everything?”

This prompt helps you double-check your approach, identify missing steps, or think more strategically. It’s a powerful tool for ensuring comprehensive work.

These prompts aren’t magic, but they can be powerful starting points. Use ChatGPT as a brainstorming partner, a second pair of eyes, or a calm voice when you’re feeling frazzled. The goal isn’t to let AI do your job; it’s to let it support you when things feel messy, slow, or uncertain.