Your First AI Prompt-The Simple Formula Anyone Over 40 Can Use

If you’re over 40 and new to AI, you’ve probably asked yourself at least once:
“What do I even type into ChatGPT?”
You’re not alone.

Most beginners tell me their biggest fear is typing the “wrong thing.”

So let me remove that fear right now: there is no wrong thing.

You don’t need fancy wording.

You don’t need tech knowledge.

You simply need a formula that works every time for beginners. In this guide, I’ll show you the exact prompt formula I teach to people over 40 who want to start using AI confidently, without feeling overwhelmed.

Why Most People Struggle With Their First AI Message

Almost every over 40 beginner makes the same mistake: they think a prompt needs to be “smart.”
It doesn’t.
ChatGPT doesn’t need perfect wording. It simply needs context.

The clearer you are, the better it helps you.

And that’s where the formula comes in.

The Simple Prompt Formula (It Works Every Time)

Here’s the formula:
WHO + WHAT + HOW YOU WANT IT
This works for absolute beginners because it instantly gives ChatGPT three vital pieces of information:

WHO you are

This helps AI adjust the language to your level.
Examples:
“I’m a complete beginner.”
“I’m over 40 and new to AI.”
“I don’t want jargon.”

WHAT you want

This tells AI the task.
Examples:
“Write an email.”
“Create a to-do list.”
“Explain this in simple terms.”

HOW you want it

This gives AI the style, tone, or structure.
Examples:
“Short and simple.”
“Step-by-step.”
“Explain it like a friendly teacher.”

Together, they create a powerful beginner-friendly prompt. Let’s build your first one.

Example Prompt You Can Use Right Now

Copy and paste this directly into ChatGPT:

“I’m over 40 and completely new to AI. Explain what ChatGPT is in simple, non-technical language. Make it step-by-step and easy to understand.”

This prompt works because it follows the formula:
WHO: “I’m over 40 and new to AI”
WHAT: “Explain what ChatGPT is”
HOW: “Simple, non-technical, step-by-step”

10 Beginner Prompts You Can Copy and Use Today

Use these whenever you need quick results.

They’re designed specifically for over-40 beginners.

1.“Explain this topic in simple language: [add topic]”

2.“Create a to-do list for me today with checkboxes.”

3.“Help me write a polite message for this situation: [insert situation].”

4.“Plan my week based on this schedule: [add details]. Include breaks.”

5.“Create a 7-day meal plan using simple ingredients.”

6.“Summarise this text in plain English: [paste text].”

7.“Rewrite this message to sound friendly and clear: [paste message].”

8.“Explain this to me like I’m brand new to the topic.”

9.“Help me compare the pros and cons of these two options: [option 1 vs option 2].”

10.“Give me step-by-step instructions for how to do this: [task]. Keep it beginner-friendly.”

These prompts are powerful because they remove guesswork and give you instant clarity.

The Real Secret [AI Learns How You Think]

Here’s a confidence boost many over 40 beginners don’t realise:
ChatGPT improves the more you talk to it.
It adapts to:

• your tone

• your vocabulary

• your level

• your preferences
  The more you use it, the more helpful it becomes. It’s like training your own personal assistant, simply by talking to it.

Beginner Mistakes to Avoid (So You Feel Confident Immediately)

Mistake #1: One-word prompts

Typing “email” or “recipe” doesn’t give enough detail.

Mistake #2: Trying to sound smarter than you feel

You don’t need complicated language.
Simple is best.

Mistake #3: Asking one question and stopping

Follow-up questions make the output 10x better.

Mistake #4: Thinking you have to get it right on the first try

AI is a conversation, not a test.

Mistake #5: Never telling AI your level

Your WHO is critical. It sets the tone.

You’re not here to impress AI.
You’re here to use it.

Try This 2-Minute Confidence Exercise

Copy/paste this:

“I haven’t used AI before. Give me three ways ChatGPT can help make my life easier today. Explain each one in simple language.”

You’ll get three quick wins that build momentum.

Your Next Step - Start Using AI Daily

AI becomes easy when you use it consistently.
Here are three simple ways to build the habit:

Daily Practice #1: Ask one question every morning

“What’s one way I can save time today?”

Daily Practice #2: Use it to write one thing

An email, message, idea checklist.

Daily Practice #3: Ask it to explain one thing that confuses you

You’ll build confidence fast.

Download Your Free Guide for More Beginner Wins

If you want simple, friendly AI help without the jargon, grab my free guide:

👉 Get the Free AI First Steps Guide
Perfect for anyone over 40 who wants AI to feel easy and enjoyable.

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