Ask an LLM to explain a complex business concept (e.g., "EBITDA", "operating leverage") as if you were a 10-year-old.

This exercise demonstrates AI's ability to simplify complex concepts through analogies and age-appropriate language.

Why does this work?

LLMs are effective at this task because they can access and process vast amounts of information (easily enough to be able to explain complex concepts). They can then identify and extract the core, most important, meaning of complex concepts. Because they are also trained on materials for different age groups, they can simplify explanations to match a 10-year-old's understanding level.

Example Prompt

Explain "EBITDA" to me like I'm 10 years old.

Recommended Tools

ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini

Links to Tools

Common Issues & Solutions

The explanation is still too complex

Ask for even simpler language or request specific analogies: 'Can you explain this using a lemonade stand example?'

I'm worried the explanation is too simplified

Request a follow-up: 'Now give me a more detailed version' to get the nuanced understanding you need

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Related Safeguarding Concepts

Understanding these safeguarding concepts will help you use this technique responsibly and effectively: