If you’ve used ChatGPT, you know it’s a powerful tool - but did you know there are simple prompt shortcuts that can help you get better, faster, and clearer answers? These “codes” are easy to remember and only require adding one or two words before your question or text.
Here are ten of the most useful prompt tricks to save you time and boost your productivity:
1. ELI5 (explain like I'm 5)
Sometimes complex topics get overwhelming. Want a quick, simple explanation that anyone can understand? Try the ELI5 prompt.
Use Case
Quickly explain the value of IT documentation to new technicians first starting at an MSP
Example
ELI5: Why good IT documentation is important
ChatGPT will break down the topic into simple terms without jargon or complicated details.
2. TL;DR (summarize long text)
Got a long article, report, or email and don’t have time to read the whole thing? The "too long; didn't read" prompt might help.
Use case
Turn a long onboarding article into a quick overview for new hires
Example
TLDR: KB Article for the "New Employee Welcome Guide"
ChatGPT will give you a short summary, highlighting the main points so you can get up to speed instantly.
3. Jargonize (professional or nerdy tone)
Need your writing to sound polished, professional, or technical? Use the jargonize prompt.
Use case
To provide a professional and technical description of Hardware-as-a-Service to post on LinkedIn, your website, etc.
Example
Jargonize: HASS
Whether it’s for a LinkedIn post, a pitch deck, or an email, this command helps transform your words into smart, industry-appropriate language that resonates with experts.
4. Humanize (make it sound more natural)
Is your AI-generated text feeling robotic or stiff? Humanize it with this prompt.
Use Case
Turn your AI drafted KB article for remote workers into friendly, supportive content that employees actually want to read.
Example
Humanize: Remote Work Best Practices KB Article
ChatGPT will respond in a more conversational, friendly style with no more awkward or overly formal phrases. It also helps avoid buzzwords like “game-changing” or “revolutionary,” keeping your message authentic.
5. Compare (see differences or similarities)
Want to understand how two or more things relate? Compare them using ChatGPT.
Use Case
Can be used as a powerful prompt to show your customers the value of having a Managed Services contract vs being a break-fix customer.
Example
Compare: Compare Managed Services vs Breakfix
ChatGPT will highlight key differences and similarities side-by-side.
6. Expand (add more detail or examples)
Need a fuller explanation or more examples? Use the expand prompt.
Use Case
Help new techs see the bigger picture by building a detailed explanation covering how it works, why it matters, and examples.
Example
Expand: DNS
ChatGPT will elaborate on and lengthen a given topic for deeper understanding.
7. Outline (organize ideas)
Need to organize ideas quickly? Try outlining with ChatGPT.
Use Case
Convert a detailed server migration SOP into a clear outline.
Example
Outline: Server Migration SOP
8. Bullet (create bullet points)
Turn information into clear bullet points for easy reading.
Use Case
Turn a long KB on “Configuring Office 365 Security Defaults” into concise bullets.
Example
Bullet: Configuring Office 365 Security Defaults
Perfect for notes, summaries, or lists.
9. Analogy (Explain with a metaphor)
Want a metaphor or comparison to better understand a concept? Use the analogy prompt.
Use Case
Help your non-technical customers get a better understanding of what Managed Services is and the value it provides.
Example
Analogy: Managed Services
Makes complex ideas relatable and easier to grasp.
10. Quiz me (Test your knowledge)
Test your knowledge or practice learning with the quiz me prompt.
Use Case
Test your technician's knowledge on a KB article.
Example
Quiz me: Phishing Email Procedures KB Article
ChatGPT will generate questions to challenge and reinforce your understanding.
Why these matter
By adding just a few words to your prompt, you can steer ChatGPT’s responses to better fit your needs, whether you want to learn, write, or communicate more effectively. These simple codes save time, reduce frustration, and make AI work smarter for you.
Try them next time you use ChatGPT for better writing, quicker thinking, and sharper communication.
Check out our Prompt Library for more examples.
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