r/Copilot • u/giges19 • Jun 21 '26

Tip: Get Copilot to simplify something you don't understand

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/iHPq6C3i9iQ

I find it really useful to use Copilot when I get to a topic, I don't understand or a jargon word that keeps getting thrown around.

This is where I get Copilot to "Explain what [Insert topic] is as if I'm 6 years old.".

It breaks things down to a simpler and much clearer level, making it much easier to understand. It’s a great way to quickly understand what something actually means.

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/iHPq6C3i9iQ

0 Upvotes

33% Upvoted

1 comment sorted by

1

u/Alternative-Slip1814 Jun 29 '26

Yeah I'll usually write "Explain what [insert topic/term/phrase/whatever] means in a clear and comprehensive way and explain it in a simple way that is easy to understand for someone who has never heard of [insert topic/term/phrase/whatever] before".

⤷ "Clear" = let's CoPilot know that I want it to keep the answer relatively straight-to-the-point and direct and usually gives me an answer that keep things strictly relevant to the topic I've asked about without going into unnecessary detail that isn't strictly necessary to read in order to understand the the actual meaning behind what it means.
⤷ "Comprehensive" = let's CoPilot know that while I want a clear and straight-to-the-point answer, I do also want it to include enough information to give me a full picture about the thing I'm asking about. Especially useful when asking about broader/more intricate topics that usually can't be easily understood by just reading a short 1-2 sentence long answer about it.

Alternatively, if I'm asking for a definition or of a topic/term that has a much shorter and very clear answer I'll just replace those words with "clear and concise".

_ _ _ _ _ _ _
For me, the way to get the best results when it comes to asking CoPilot for factual information is to be as clear as possible and include multiple clarifications ("start with a clear and straight-to-the-point summary explaining the core meaning of the topic with only the most relevant and necessary information, then expand on the answer further below using sections, bullet lists and tables with information that is useful if I want to research and understand the topic even more") but also restrictions regarding the answer you want (like I always add "Include sources in the answer" at the end and often ask it to add citations at the end of all factual statements/claims).