3 simple words that make ChatGPT sound like a true expert

Crafting the right prompt can transform ChatGPT from a helpful assistant into a seasoned specialist. Here are three simple words that instantly elevate its expertise—and how to use them.

1. “As an expert in…”

Start your prompt with “As an expert in…” to signal ChatGPT that you want a deep-dive, authoritative answer. For instance, “As an expert in cybersecurity, explain how zero-trust networks protect corporate data.” I used this framing when researching my last tech article, and the response read like it came straight from a veteran analyst—complete with real-world examples and nuanced analysis.

2. “Critically evaluate…”

Next, add “Critically evaluate…” to prompt ChatGPT to go beyond surface-level facts. If you’re comparing two marketing strategies, ask, “Critically evaluate content marketing versus paid ads for lead generation.” This word cues the model to weigh pros and cons, cite potential downsides, and offer balanced recommendations—just like a consultant would.

3. “Cite references”

Finally, include “Cite references” at the end of your request to encourage source-backed answers. For example: “As an expert in renewable energy, critically evaluate solar versus wind power and cite references.” This simple phrase pushes ChatGPT to provide structured output with URLs or publication names, boosting its credibility for academic or professional use.

Try combining all three:

“As an expert in behavioral psychology, critically evaluate social media’s impact on attention spans and cite references.”
You’ll get a detailed, well-supported response—complete with stats and study links—helping you skip hours of manual research.

With these three words—expert framing, critical evaluation, and reference requests—you’ll turn ChatGPT into a trusted advisor, whether you’re drafting reports, planning strategy, or simply seeking reliable insights.