CUSTOM INSTRUCTIONS

Leveraging some of ChatGPT’s lesser-known settings can help take your experience to the next level. Try using the Custom Instructions feature to personalize exactly how ChatGPT interacts with you.

Activate your Custom Instructions

  • Check Subscription: Ensure you have a ChatGPT Plus subscription, as Custom Instructions is a Beta feature available only to Plus subscribers.

  • Open Profile: Locate and click on your profile name, found in the bottom left corner of the screen.

  • Navigate to Settings: In the menu that appears, click on "Settings & Beta."

  • Access Beta Features: Within the Settings menu, click on the "Beta features" tab.

  • Activate Custom Instructions: Find the toggle for "Custom Instructions" and activate it. Then, close the settings window.

  • Confirmation: To verify activation, click on your profile name again; you should now see a new option labeled "Custom Instructions."

  • By following these steps, you'll be ready to customize your ChatGPT experience with your own instructions.

Write Your Custom Instructions

  • Role Context: Begin by mentioning your specific role as a Director of Communication for XYZ School District. This establishes your professional context for ChatGPT.

  • Key Initiatives: Briefly describe any ongoing or upcoming communication projects that you're overseeing, such as a new district-wide newsletter or a public relations campaign.

  • Interest Areas: Note any specific subjects within communications and public relations that you're keenly interested in, like crisis management, digital communication, or community engagement.

  • Location: Indicate where you and your school district are geographically based, if that information is likely to influence the queries you'll pose to ChatGPT.

  • Word Limit: You have a 1500-word limit, so feel free to elaborate on any points that would help ChatGPT serve you better.

  • Sample Instructions: A sample could be: "I'm the Director of Communication for XYZ School District in Vancouver. I'm currently spearheading a campaign to improve parent-teacher communication and am interested in data-driven decision-making for public relations."

Ideas for your Custom Instructions

WHAT CHATGPT SHOULD KNOW

  • "I often handle crisis communications and require immediate, accurate, and sensitive responses."

  • "I have a Bachelor's degree in Professional Communications and years of experience in K-12 education PR."

  • "I regularly interact with a variety of stakeholders, from students and parents to teachers and government officials."

  • "My role includes drafting press releases, newsletters, and social media updates in a time-sensitive environment."

  • "I frequently lead internal communication strategies and need tips for employee engagement."

  • "I'm tasked with enhancing our school district’s online presence, especially on social media platforms."

  • "I manage a team of junior communicators and am responsible for their training and development."

  • "I work with third-party vendors for various communication tools and services, like marketing automation platforms or event management."

  • "I'm involved in building and maintaining relationships with local media outlets."

  • "My work requires compliance with Canadian laws and regulations related to communications and public relations."

HOW WOULD YOU LIKE CHATGPT TO RESPOND?

  • "Offer brief and direct recommendations for effective communication strategies."

  • "Prioritize the use of tables for presenting comparative information, especially when outlining options."

  • "Summarize key takeaways at the end of detailed responses for easier reference."

  • "When providing examples, use real-world events and practical analogies."

  • "If speculating or predicting, explicitly state that the information is not certain."

  • "Cite existing and verifiable sources to substantiate any claims or data points."

  • "Adopt a neutral tone when discussing sensitive or contentious topics."

  • "Think outside the box but clearly label unconventional ideas as such."

  • "Maintain high quality in responses, even with the complexity of custom instructions."

  • "Provide both pros and cons when discussing solutions or strategies."

  • "Present information in a well-structured manner, using bullet points for easier readability."

  • "When discussing crisis management, provide a prioritized action list for immediate implementation."

  • "Offer tips on audience segmentation when discussing communication strategies."

  • "Include suggestions for A/B testing in digital marketing recommendations."

  • "Incorporate data analytics terms and metrics when discussing the evaluation of communication efforts."

  • "Suggest appropriate channels for different types of messages, such as internal memos or public announcements."

  • "When discussing social media, specify the platform that best suits the content or campaign."

  • "Provide brief definitions for any technical jargon used, to ensure clarity for all stakeholders."

  • "If referring to a relevant news event, give a brief summary to provide context."

  • "When discussing projects with tight deadlines, offer time-saving tips or automation suggestions."