Library › Writing AI › Nonprofit staff
Explain a new sign-in system to volunteers who hate tech
Practice: Saying who it's for. About 5 minutes.
About this exercise
Your longtime volunteers, many in their 70s, must start logging hours a new way. Write exactly 4 numbered steps, each under 14 words, in the order they happen. Avoid tech words ('app', 'QR', 'login', 'sync', 'download'), describe what they'll see instead, and use the corrected sign-in location. Plain text, nothing before or after the steps. Write a prompt that gets that.
Common mistakes when you ask AI for this
- Not setting the count. The AI writes a long guide with tips, troubleshooting and a pep talk. Try: Set it: "Exactly 4 numbered steps, each under 14 words."
- Using the old location. The notes mention the front door before the correction. Try: Say it: "The tablet is on the back table by the coffee maker."
- Talking tech. AI explains with "log in to the app" and "scan the QR code", exactly what scares these volunteers. Try: Ban them: "No app, QR, login, sync or download. Describe what they'll see."
- Adding extras. The AI explains the grant and adds "Don't worry, it's easy!" Try: Add: "Only the 4 steps. Plain text."
What a strong prompt includes
- Says who it's for
- Sets the number of steps
- Uses the corrected location
- Bans tech words
- Asks for plain text
Related exercises
- Accept a job offer and confirm the exact terms (Writing AI · Job seekers)
- Announce a hybrid work policy change with clear actions (Writing AI · HR and recruiting)
- Announce a promotion with the right date and no pay details (Writing AI · HR and recruiting)
- Announce a team change and answer the first question (Writing AI · Managers and team leads)
- Announce a team meeting change people will actually follow (Writing AI · Managers and team leads)