Lesson 3: “The WhatsApp Secret.
Goal: Learn how to write short, professional messages for WhatsApp or Slack.
Key Idea.
English Idea: In Brazil, we often write long messages to be polite. In English, WhatsApp messages should be short and direct. We don’t use “Dear Sir” on WhatsApp; we use “Hi [ Name ]” or just the message.
Log in and Enable voice mode.
Step 1: Sign in.
- Open the app
- Log in with the account you created (email, Google, Apple, or Microsoft)
Step 2: Enable voice mode.
- Open a chat in the app
- Tap the headphones or microphone icon (usually near the text box)
- Allow microphone access when asked
- Choose a voice (you can change this later)
Helpful tips.
- Use headphones for better sound
- Speak clearly and at a normal pace
- You can stop or interrupt by tapping the screen
- You can switch back to typing anytime
Now you have ChatGPT open, let’s start here.
Copy and paste this prompt into ChatGPT to start.
“I need to send a quick WhatsApp message to my colleague.
I want to sound professional but fast.
- Here is what I want to say: [ Insert your message here ].
- Please rewrite it in 3 ways:
- Very short (2-5 words).
- Friendly/Casual.
- Professional.
- Explain if I am using too many words because I am thinking in Portuguese.”
Practice Prompts.
- The “Late” Message: “I am stuck in traffic and I will be 10 minutes late for the Zoom call. How do I say this on WhatsApp in a natural way? Give me 2 options.”
- The “Check” Message: “I want to ask my boss ‘Did you see my message?’ without being annoying. Give me a ‘gentle reminder’ text.”
- The Abbreviations: “Explain these 5 abbreviations to me in simple English: FYI, ASAP, BRB, LMK, and WFH. Give me an example of how to use each one in a text.”
Real-World Task.
Task: Reply to a message about a meeting time.
- Situation: A colleague sends you a message: “Can we talk at 2 PM today?” You are busy at 2 PM, but free at 4 PM.
- What to do: Write your reply in English.
- Which prompt to use: “I want to reply to a colleague. I can’t do 2 PM, but I can do 4 PM. Make my reply short and professional. Use the phrase ‘Does that work for you?'”
- Focus: Don’t apologize too much! In English texting, a simple “Sorry, I’m busy then. How about 4 PM?” is perfect.
A reflection prompt to ask ChatGPT.
“ChatGPT, looking at my messages today, did I use any ‘extra’ words that I don’t need? How can I be more ‘direct’ like a native speaker?”