HowToUseAi.com.auAI Made Simple - a beginner-friendly course for ChatGPT and Gemini

Module 4: Gemini step-by-step (beginner friendly)

Gemini is Google's everyday AI assistant. Like ChatGPT, you can ask questions, draft messages, and get help explaining things. In this module we focus on practical everyday use, not technical features.

You do not need to pick a 'winner'
Many people use both. If one gives a confusing answer, you can try the same question in the other tool.

4.1 What you need

4.2 Opening Gemini

Gemini home screen / prompt box
Gemini home screen / prompt box

4.3 Start a new chat

Gemini works best when you treat each topic like its own conversation.

  1. Open Gemini.
  2. Tap New chat (or the equivalent).
  3. Type your request in the message box.
  4. Send it.

4.4 Your first message (a safe starter)

Starter prompt
I am new to AI. Give me 10 ways you can help in everyday life. Use simple language and dot points.

Follow-up prompt:

Follow-up prompt
Pick the best 3 for a beginner and give me an example request I can copy and paste for each one.

4.5 Talking instead of typing: Gemini Live

Gemini offers a voice experience called Gemini Live. It is designed for natural back-and-forth conversation, like talking it out.

When voice is helpful
Voice is great for people who dislike typing, have sore hands, or simply think better out loud.
  1. Look for a microphone or Live option.
  2. Start speaking normally.
  3. If you need to correct yourself, just say so and continue.
Gemini Live button
Gemini Live button

4.6 Uploading a photo or file

Like ChatGPT, Gemini can often work with uploaded images and files. It can be useful for:

Privacy reminder
Do not upload sensitive documents containing ID numbers, bank details, or private health records unless you understand the privacy settings and are comfortable with the risk.
Upload prompt example
Please read this and explain it in plain English. Then list any deadlines or actions. If anything is unclear, list questions I should ask.
Upload button
Upload button

4.7 Deep Research (optional)

Gemini includes a feature called Deep Research that can browse many websites and create a multi-page report. This can be useful when you want a structured overview of a topic.

A practical beginner use
Deep Research is great for things like: 'Compare mobility scooters - what should I look for?' or 'Explain the difference between types of hearing aids.'
Deep Research style prompt
Create a simple beginner-friendly report on: [TOPIC].
Include: key terms explained, pros and cons, what to watch out for, and a short checklist of questions to ask before buying or deciding.
Deep Research option
Deep Research option

4.8 Gemini with Google apps (optional)

Depending on your plan and region, Gemini can connect with Google services like Gmail, Calendar, Maps, YouTube, and Photos to help you find information without switching apps.

Be deliberate
Connecting apps can be convenient, but it also increases what you are allowing the tool to access. Only turn on connections you actually want.

4.9 Limits: what it means when Gemini says you have reached a limit

Gemini can have usage limits based on your plan. When you hit a limit, it usually means you need to wait for your capacity to refill, or you can upgrade to a plan with higher limits.

What to do when you hit a limit
Try smaller messages, upload fewer files, or wait and continue later.

4.10 Practice tasks (Gemini)

These tasks build confidence without needing advanced features:

  1. Draft a polite email asking a business to confirm an appointment time.
  2. Explain a confusing letter in dot points (use a redacted excerpt).
  3. Create a weekly meal plan with simple ingredients.
  4. Ask for a travel day plan with rest breaks and a packing list.
  5. Ask for a scam check on a suspicious text (with personal info removed).

4.11 Screenshotss for Module 4

Gemini home / prompt box
Gemini home / prompt box
Gemini Live (voice) option
Gemini Live (voice) option
Upload button / file picker
Upload button / file picker
Deep Research option
Deep Research option
Example conversation: prompt -> answer -> follow-up
Example conversation: prompt -> answer -> follow-up