The ChatGPT Experiment – Ep 91: Revisiting the Basics: Getting More Out of ChatGPT
Host: Cary Weston
Date: October 21, 2025
Episode Overview
Theme:
Cary Weston takes listeners on a reflective walk to revisit the fundamental principles of using ChatGPT, aimed at both beginners and regular users. He emphasizes that deepening one’s understanding of the “basics” unlocks greater value from AI, regardless of experience level. The episode explores evergreen strategies to get more out of ChatGPT, focusing on mindset, conversational engagement, and feedback techniques applicable across various AI platforms.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Revisiting the Value of Basics
- Cary starts with a metaphor: Like song lyrics that change meaning over time, the basics of ChatGPT reveal new value as users gain experience. ([00:01])
- Even advanced users benefit from “seeing things through a new lens” by returning to foundational ideas.
2. AI as an “Amazing Intern”
- Cary urges users to think of ChatGPT as a “highly capable tool ready to serve you, but it needs your guidance, it needs context.” ([03:24])
- Instead of treating it as an autonomous expert, give it clear instructions and context as you would to a skilled assistant.
3. The Mindset Matters—Not Just the Platform
- Evergreen best practices apply across platforms like Claude, Gemini, Copilot, and Google’s AI—not just ChatGPT. What matters most is how you approach and interact with these tools. ([02:14])
- “It’s more of a mindset... It’s the way in which you see the opportunities and are able to talk to it and work with it.” ([02:26])
4. The Four-Part Framework for Stronger Prompts
- Cary shares his tried-and-true method for delegating tasks to ChatGPT:
- What are we doing?
- Why are we doing it?
- What does success look like?
- Do you have any questions for me? ([04:38])
- This framework works not just at the beginning, but throughout the conversation—mid-task feedback should reference these principles.
Quote:
“Those four principles are helpful if you’re delegating a task. And that’s really what you’re doing with ChatGPT—using software to delegate a task.” ([05:08])
5. Emphasizing Natural Conversation
- Cary notes that ChatGPT thrives on natural language:
- More helpful than overthinking prompts or using code-like language.
- “Give it as much detail as you can, as if you were talking to a friend in a natural conversation.” ([05:44])
- It’s okay if instructions are “not in order, not sequential, just real.” ([06:00])
6. Treating Output as a Work in Progress
- Output from ChatGPT is rarely a final answer—think of it as brainstorming, not gospel.
- Cary encourages users to iteratively coach ChatGPT: Take what works, give feedback, suggest specific changes, and see improvement with each round.
- Example: Building a restaurant menu. Don’t just accept the list; explain what you like/dislike about individual items to refine results. ([07:47])
Quote:
“Anytime you get something back, it’s not right or wrong. Don’t think of what you’re getting from ChatGPT as right or wrong. Think of it always as in process.” ([07:25])
7. The Importance of Feedback and Ongoing Guidance
- Cary shares a story about a counselor who uses ChatGPT for writing but gets frustrated by lack of exactness.
- Cary explains that, like with people, ChatGPT requires ongoing guidance and context—simply telling it to "stop" isn’t enough. ([09:25])
- The more context and feedback you give, the better the output becomes.
- Analogy: When a client tells an agency, “I don’t like it,” it’s impossible to make improvements without specifics. The same goes for ChatGPT. ([12:19])
Quote:
“So talking to it, reasoning... it needs to be involved in the conversation. It’s not a one-way act.” (14:08)
8. Growing with Experience and Context
- Recur to the song lyric metaphor: The “basics” will reveal new learning as you interact more deeply with ChatGPT.
- For power users: “Go deeper in conversations... see if you get more value, more clarity, more detail.” ([15:47])
- For beginners: “The more that you engage with it and enable it to engage with you, you’re going to find a far more useful tool in your toolbox.” ([16:32])
9. Curiosity as the Most Powerful Tool
- Cary wraps up by championing curiosity as the key to getting the most out of ChatGPT:
“It’s your curiosity that will serve you the best. It’s the most important element of you getting any meaning out of what you’re doing with ChatGPT.” ([16:52])
Memorable Quotes & Moments
- “I want you to be more confident, to be curious, to try things...” ([02:55])
- “If you think less about prompts and codes and more about natural conversation... it works better.” ([05:30])
- “Don’t accept any output from ChatGPT as either its best answer or its only answer. There’s always more—more depth, more detail, more explanation, a different perspective.” ([07:09])
- “ChatGPT is the same way [as a person]. It thrives off natural conversation.” ([14:37])
Key Timestamps
| Timestamp | Segment | |---|---| | 00:01 | Cary’s introduction and song lyric analogy | | 02:14 | Applying basics across different AI platforms | | 03:24 | AI as a capable intern; the need for context | | 04:38 | Four-part framework for effective prompting | | 05:44 | The value of natural conversation with ChatGPT | | 07:25 | Treating responses as iterative, not final | | 09:25 | Counselors and coders: the need for detailed guidance | | 12:19 | Feedback analogy: client-agency communication | | 14:08 | Two-way conversational engagement | | 15:47 | Encouragement for experienced users to deepen conversations | | 16:32 | Advice for beginners on engagement | | 16:52 | The importance of curiosity |
Conclusion
Cary Weston delivers a reflective yet practical refresher on the basics that create confident, effective ChatGPT users. He reminds listeners that their willingness to converse, give feedback, and experiment—powered by curiosity—is more valuable than mastering technical prompts. By using a conversational, context-rich approach rooted in real-world analogies, Cary ensures listeners of all backgrounds walk away empowered to get more out of their AI tools—today and in the future.
Final thought:
“Stay curious. It’s the most important element of you getting any meaning out of what you’re doing with ChatGPT.” ([16:52])