Maximising Productivity with Alastair McDermott’s 5 ChatGPT Tips
AI is everywhere these days. It’s changing how we work, how we communicate, and how we get things done. In this episode of the Social Media Takeaway (available on all the leading podcast platforms including iTunes, Spotify, and Youtube!), I’m delighted to be joined by 🎙 Alastair McDermott. Alastair is a consultant, author, and podcast host with over 17 years of experience in business and technology. He’s a true expert when it comes to using AI to make work easier and more efficient. In our chat, we discussed how to use AI or ChatGPT to save time and make you more productive. Here are Alastair’s key takeaways:
- Start Small and Experiment: Alastair recommends not diving into AI expecting instant perfection. Start with simple tasks, experiment, and gradually learn its nuances. Think of it like learning any new tool—little by little, you’ll see what works best for you.
- Clear and Specific Prompting: Use well-defined prompts for better results especially when using tools like ChatGPT or Claud. Alastair uses the GOAL framework to get more accurate outputs:
- G (Goal): Identify what you want to achieve with the prompt.
- O (Output): Specify the format you want for the output, like a table, a CSV, or a list.
- A (Additional Context): Provide any extra information that could help the AI produce a more tailored response.
- L (Look at Output): Carefully review what AI generates and refine the input if needed. This framework is brilliant, honestly! It reminds me to slow down and think, “What do I actually want AI to do here?” It’s like giving clear directions—AI is powerful, but it’s not magic. The better we set it up, the better it’ll deliver.
3. “Write Like Me” Prompt: Alastair has specific instructions for ChatGPT to help it emulate his writing style. His instructions included:
- Writing in a direct, practical, and actionable style with no filler or fluff.
- Using UK English, avoiding jargon, writing at a 12th-grade reading level.
- Avoiding certain words like “delve,” “demystify,” “foster,” “leverage,” and “utilise,” and instead using simpler alternatives like “examine” or “use.”
- Addressing the reader directly in the second person, using “you” and “we” for rapport.
4. Encourage Open AI Use in Workplaces: Alastair advocates for a culture where employees feel comfortable using AI to enhance productivity. This includes training and normalising AI use, as well as sharing insights across teams. I completely agree with Alastair on this. It’s time for businesses to embrace AI openly. If everyone feels empowered to use these tools, imagine the productivity boost! Plus, it’s all about working smarter, not harder, right?
5. Customise for Efficiency: Alastair suggests creating custom GPTs to handle recurring tasks, especially for professionals producing a lot of content. These models can help maintain consistency and save time by remembering your specific style. I’ve started using custom GPTs and I’m loving the results. Creating GPTs that capture my voice, my goals, my buyer personas has helped me increase productivity, save me time and improve the quality of the output.
AI has so much to offer, and it’s already changed the way I work—I honestly can’t imagine running my business without it now! If you’re not using it yet, or if you’re looking for ways to make it work better for you, now is the time to dive in. I’d love to hear your thoughts on this topic. Have you tried using AI in your work? What’s been helpful, and what’s still a challenge? Let’s keep the conversation going—drop me a message or connect with me on LinkedIn!
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