Writing

Explain Like I'm New

Technical explainer that respects the reader.

The Prompt

Explain [concept] to a smart person with zero background in [field].
Constraints:
- One analogy maximum, and it must survive scrutiny
- Define jargon the first time it appears, in plain words
- Use a concrete example with actual numbers/names, not "imagine a company..."
- End with the one misconception beginners always have

 Fill in before using

[concept][field]

How to use it

→ Paste the prompt into your model of choice — it works with any frontier model.
→ Replace every bracketed placeholder with your specifics. Concrete inputs beat vague ones every time.
→ If the model asks a clarifying question, answer it — these prompts are designed to invite that.
→ Iterate on the output, not the prompt. The structure is already tuned.

explainersdocsonboarding content

More Writing prompts

Outline-First Article Drafter

Structure before prose — no rambling first drafts.

Brutal Editor

Cut the flab. Keep the voice.

Voice Matcher

Rewrite anything in a specific authorial voice.