How to Use ChatGPT to Sound Like an Expert (Even If You Know Nothing)

Have you ever wondered how to use ChatGPT to sound like an expert in conversations, even if you’re just starting out? With the right prompts, ChatGPT can help you speak with authority, uncover insider knowledge, and actually learn as you go. The more you practice, the more you’ll go from simply sounding smart to truly becoming smarter.

This guide will show you how to use ChatGPT like a pro so you don’t just sound smart, you actually get smarter over time.

1. Know the Debates That Matter

Experts don’t just memorize facts, they know what’s controversial. Every field has ongoing debates that only insiders talk about.

Prompt to use:
👉 “What do knowledgeable people in this field argue about that casual observers don’t realize is controversial?”

Drop one of these insights into a conversation, and you’ll instantly sound like you understand the deeper layers of the topic.

2. Play the Time Traveler

One thing experts often bring up? How thinking in their field has changed over time. Knowing the evolution of ideas makes you sound much more credible than someone who just knows the latest facts.

Prompt to use:
👉 “What did experts believe about this subject 20–30 years ago that they mostly reject now?”

This trick gives you historical context, helping you sound like someone who doesn’t just study the present but understands the journey.

3. Unearth the “Buried Treasure”

Specificity is the secret weapon of expertise. True insiders obsess over small, hyper-niche details that most people overlook.

Prompt to use:
👉 “What’s something people deeply into this topic fixate on that casual observers don’t notice?”

Mentioning these overlooked gems in conversation makes it seem like you’re immersed in the field.

Why This Works

This isn’t about faking expertise forever. By consistently using these prompts, you’ll naturally absorb real knowledge. Before long, you won’t just be pretending, you’ll be building the confidence and understanding of someone who truly knows their stuff.