Hold it without squeezing
Place the pick against the side of your curled index finger, then rest your thumb on top. Let only its tip show. Grip it firmly enough not to drop it, but leave your wrist free to move.
Try a string, then a chord
Pick one open string gently downward. Alternate down and up with a small wrist motion. For a chord, brush across the strings rather than pushing through them. A flexible, thinner pick may feel easier for your first strums.
Which part touches the string?
Use the pointed end. Only a little of the pick needs to stick out beyond your fingers.