ChatGPT’s real power emerges when you go beyond simple questions and tap into purpose-built prompt “macros.” These compact commands act like keyboard shortcuts for the model, steering it toward specific formats, tones, and workflows without lengthy explanations. Below are five underrated prompts that can save time, sharpen your writing, and organize your life—all in plain English and usable in any chat session.
/rephrase → Instant stylistic variety
Drop the tag /rephrase in front of text and add a brief style request—e.g., “friendly,” “formal,” or “LinkedIn headline.” The model returns multiple paraphrases while preserving meaning, letting you choose the perfect voice for an email, marketing copy, or social post. Pro tip: append “limit to 12 words” to control length for subject lines or tweets.
/mindmap → Structured brainstorming on demand
When you need rapid ideation, type /mindmap followed by a topic and depth level (two- or three-tier). ChatGPT outputs a nested hierarchy instead of an unstructured list—ideal for project planning, course outlines, or blog series. Because each node is already categorized, you can copy-paste directly into digital whiteboards like Miro or Whimsical.
/critique → Built-in editorial assistant
Polish drafts by prefacing them with /critique plus the persona you want (“strict copy-editor,” “SEO specialist,” or “UX writer”). The model first flags weaknesses—grammar slips, pacing issues, keyword gaps—then proposes concrete fixes. If you add “track changes format,” ChatGPT uses diff-style highlights, streamlining your revision cycle.
/schedule → Auto-generate weekly planners
Feed ChatGPT a task list prefixed by /schedule and specify “markdown table” or “CSV.” The model arranges deadlines, estimates effort hours, and even color-codes priorities if you mention “Notion compatible.” For recurring chores, tack on “repeat every Monday” to receive a template you can duplicate indefinitely.
/explain-like-I’m-5 → Adaptive learning modes
Complex topics become digestible when you invoke /explain-like-I’m-5 followed by the subject—say, “blockchain” or “quantum entanglement.” ChatGPT answers in playful, simplified language and analogies. Chain it with “/teen-version” or “/PhD-level” to get progressively deeper dives, turning one prompt into a tiered learning resource.
Advanced chaining for power users
These commands shine individually, but combining them unlocks exponential utility. For example, send /mindmap to outline a presentation, pipe that into /schedule to allocate preparation time, then run each slide’s script through /critique for tone. Because the syntax is simple, you can save each composite prompt as a text snippet or automate it via browser extensions.
Conclusion
Mastering ChatGPT isn’t about longer prompts—it’s about smarter ones. By embedding intent inside concise tags like /rephrase, /mindmap, /critique, /schedule, and /explain-like-I’m-5, you convert the model into a multi-tool that drafts, edits, organizes, and teaches on command. Integrate these hidden gems into your daily workflow and watch routine tasks shrink from hours to minutes, leaving more space for creative thinking and strategic work.
super prompts? lol 😒 chatgpt still dumb af sometimes