A clear, friendly walkthrough of how to get started with ChatGPT Plus. No jargon. No overwhelm. Just practical steps.

Why this matters

Generative AI isn’t just for coders or creatives – it’s for leaders, consultants, educators, and researchers.
ChatGPT Plus gives you access to GPT-4, image understanding, file uploads, and more – but it can feel like a lot.

This post is your warm-up: the easiest way to start.

Getting Started – Five Simple Steps

1. Sign up for ChatGPT Plus
Head to chat.openai.com, sign up, and upgrade to ChatGPT Plus (US$20/month).
This gives you access to the latest version (GPT-4o) with advanced capabilities.

1a. Install the Desktop App (Optional but Recommended)
While you can use ChatGPT in any browser, the desktop app (Mac or Windows) gives a faster, cleaner experience.

• • Download it at openai.com/chat

  • Launch it directly from your taskbar or dock

  • Works seamlessly with drag-and-drop files, voice input, and multitasking

Pro tip: For frequent users, the app beats tabs.

2. Create a new chat
Click + New Chat or use the desktop shortcut.
You’re ready to go.

3. Give your prompt a title
You can keep things casual, like:

• • “Help me plan a workshop”

  • “Summarise this report”

  • “10 coaching questions for a team leader”

Or be more specific:

• • “Act as a consultant helping me design a strategy offsite agenda”

  • “I’ll upload a file – help me extract key themes”

4. Try simple prompts
Start with natural language. This isn’t search – it’s a conversation.
You can ask:

• • “What are 3 ways leaders can use ChatGPT in everyday work?”

  • “Write an intro paragraph for a blog post on ethical AI”

  • “What’s a good metaphor for change management?”

You don’t have to type everything.

• • Use the microphone icon in the input bar to speak your prompt

  • Works in both the browser and desktop app

  • Especially helpful if you think faster than you type

Just click the mic, speak your thought, and hit send.

5. Learn to iterate
The real power comes from follow-ups. After your first response, try:

• • “Make that shorter”

  • “Now add an example from healthcare”

  • “Explain this for a boardroom audience”

What to expect

• • It’s not perfect, but it’s fast.

  • It works best when you’re clear and specific.

  • It gets better as you engage – treat it like a thinking partner, not just a tool.

Pro Tips for Thinkers

• • Install the desktop app for speed and focus

  • Use voice-to-text to capture thoughts on the fly

  • Name your chats so you can find them later

  • Use it with purpose – start with a real task you care about

Your First Step Forward

🔹 Try a real task right now. What’s something on your to-do list? Ask ChatGPT to help.

🔹 When ready, check out Post #2 – Voice Mode Best Practices for deeper insights into using your voice as a thinking tool.