How I Use ChatGPT as a Research Tool (And How You Can Too)
If you’d told me a few years ago that I’d be using something called “ChatGPT” as part of my daily creative routine, I would’ve raised an eyebrow and asked if it came with a user manual written in plain English.
But here we are.
Living in a rural village in northern Bosnia and Herzegovina, my days are a mix of walking, recording podcasts, writing about life over 70, and helping others tell their stories.
And somewhere along the way, ChatGPT, this AI-powered conversational assistant, became a kind of digital assistant for me.
Not a replacement for thinking or creating, but a genuinely useful tool.
Especially for research.
Now, if the word research makes you think of dusty libraries or getting lost down the back alleys of Google, you’re not alone.
I used to dread trying to dig up information.
One thing led to another, and before I knew it, I’d lost an hour and still didn’t have what I was looking for.
That’s when ChatGPT entered the picture.
I use it now to kick-start ideas, help me structure content, and even explain things to me in a way that actually makes sense. It’s like having a helpful, endlessly patient researcher sitting across the table from me — one who never sighs or checks their watch.
Here’s how I use it.
1. To Explore Ideas
Sometimes I start with a simple question like, “What are some hidden spots to visit in northern Bosnia?”
Within seconds, I’ve got a handful of suggestions, and a few I’d never even heard of.
From there, I’ll ask follow-ups: “Any stories or legends about this place?” or “What’s the best time of year to go?”
It’s a bit like brainstorming with someone who’s read every guidebook on earth.
2. To Break Down Complex Info
I recently wanted to talk about Ottoman influences in Bosnian architecture.
I typed in: “Explain Ottoman architecture in Bosnia in simple terms for older podcast listeners.”
And what came back was clear, digestible, and structured in a way that I could actually use, not academic waffle, just solid stuff.
3. To Rewrite and Humanise
I’ll sometimes take a paragraph I’ve written and ask, “Can you rewrite this in a warmer tone, like a blog post for over-50s?”
And it works.
Not perfectly, but enough to get me thinking and tweaking.
It’s not about shortcuts, it’s about clarity.
4. To Fact-Check and Cross-Reference
Here’s the caution: ChatGPT isn’t always right.
It can be confidently wrong.
So if I’m using it for something factual. Like dates or quotes. I double-check elsewhere.
Think of it like a helpful but slightly over-enthusiastic friend who sometimes gets their wires crossed 😀.
A Few Tips from the Village
If you’re curious to try it, here’s what I’ve learned:
Ask good questions. Instead of “Tell me about Banja Luka,” try “What cultural festivals happen in Banja Luka each summer?”
Have a conversation. Don’t be afraid to follow up. ChatGPT works best when you nudge it.
It’s a tool, not a guru. It helps you shape your ideas. But the heart, the voice, that’s still all you.
For someone like me, firmly in the analogue generation, using AI might seem like stepping into the future.
But in truth, it’s just one more way to stay curious.
To learn. To keep telling stories.
So if you’ve got something to say, something to share, whether it’s a memory, a recipe, or your life story, don’t be afraid to use the tools that make the work lighter.
ChatGPT’s just one of them.
And in my case, a surprisingly helpful one.
What About You?
You can leave a comment below or just reply to this email. I read every message.
And if you think someone else might benefit from this, a fellow creative feeling overwhelmed or discouraged, feel free to share this with them.
If you want a bit of guidance or inspiration, I offer simple, one-to-one training to help you use audio creatively and confidently.
Drop me a message if you'd like to know more.
