Custom Instructions to Teach ChatGPT to Sound Like You

Ensure your unique voice shines through in every AI-generated piece of content. This blog gives you the step-by-step to creating "Custom Instructions" in ChatGPT so you can set your preferences once, and ChatGPT will keep them in mind for all future conversations. Time-saver!

Kathy Basel

2/1/20243 min read

As coaches, healers, and changemakers, the authenticity of your message is what truly resonates with your clients. It's the heart and soul of your practice, drawing in those who need your guidance the most. In the digital age, AI tools like ChatGPT offer an incredible opportunity to extend your reach without losing the essence of your message.

Here's how to use "Custom Instructions" to ensure that ChatGPT understands and conveys your unique voice.

Creating Custom Instructions
In ChatGPT, under your profile picture at the bottom of the left-hand menu, you'll find the option for custom instructions. Think of this as having a casual conversation to on-board your new AI Marketing assistant!

You'll want to introduce yourself including a short professional bio but also include some personal nuances of who you are and what makes you tick, what makes you relatable to your ideal clients. When ChatGPT generates responses, it uses this context and tone to capture the unique essence of YOU and how you are uniquely suited to work with your ideal clients.

Two Key Questions
ChatGPT asks two questions to customize its responses:

  • What would you like ChatGPT to know about you to provide better responses?

  • How would you like ChatGPT to respond?


Your input is limited to 1500 words, so let's get concise. For the first question, consider sharing:

  • Your coaching or healing niche (e.g., life coaching, energy healing, mindfulness).

  • Your target audience (e.g., busy professionals, parents, individuals facing life transitions).

  • Where they are now (e.g., how they would describe their current struggle)

  • The transformation you bring (e.g., this is the how you do it AND how they will feel afterwards/what's possible for them after working with you)

  • Distinctions that separate you from others doing the same work as you (e.g., how long have you been in business, particular protocols or techniques you use, certifications that your ideal client would want to know about)

  • Your overall vision and mission statements.

When you click on this box, ChatGPT will also give you these Thought Starters:

  • Where are you based?

  • What do you do for work?

  • What are your hobbies and interests?

  • What subjects can you talk about for hours?

  • What are some goals you have?

For the second question, think about:

  • The tone of voice that resonates with your audience (e.g., compassionate, motivational, gentle).

  • Specific language or jargon that you typically use or avoid.

  • Any formatting preferences (e.g., short paragraphs, bullet points, questions to provoke thought).

Sample Custom Instructions
Given the character limit for responses, crafting concise yet comprehensive instructions is key. Here's a sample for each question, designed to illustrate how you might approach this task:

Sample for Question 1
"I'm LH, and I call my health coaching business a health coach specializing in holistic wellness for busy moms many of whom are struggling to lose weight after having kids and find balance in their lives because they are juggling so many roles. My approach integrates nutrition, mindfulness, and physical activity to support sustainable lifestyle changes. I aim to empower clients with practical, achievable strategies, to help them create small wins and create momentum toward their goals. I lost 60 pounds by blending intermittent fasting with my love of mediterranean food. I believe we must address the core needs for balance, self-care, and positive self-image in order to attain sustainable results vs. the fad diets that offer short-term results and end up yo-yo'ing."

Sample for Question 2
"Please respond in a supportive and uplifting tone, using accessible language free of medical jargon. Include actionable tips and emphasize small, daily changes that add up to significant benefits over time. Structure responses with bullet points for clarity, and pose reflective questions to encourage personal insight. Avoid overwhelming readers with too much information at once."

Emphasizing Authentic Messaging
Spending a few minutes setting it up can save you hours of refining responses and crafting prompts later.

It's what makes your voice stand out in a crowded digital space and deeply connects with those you aim to serve. By providing detailed, thoughtful custom instructions to AI, you're ensuring that every piece of content it helps you create remains true to your essence and mission.

Incorporating these personal touches and nuances into your AI interactions not only enhances the relevance and impact of your messaging but also bridges the gap between technology and human connection. Your clients don't just seek advice; they seek a connection that feels genuine and understanding—qualities that your customized AI-generated content can reflect when guided by your insightful instructions.