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."