Tell It Who It's For | Just Add AI

See the Difference

Same question about the same topic. One is generic. The other is tailored to the reader.

No audience specified

You: "Explain how APIs work."

AI: An API (Application Programming Interface) is a set of protocols, routines, and tools that allows different software applications to communicate with each other. APIs define the methods and data formats that applications can use to request and exchange information...

Technically correct. But who is this written for? Too simple for developers, too jargon-heavy for beginners.

Audience specified

You: "Explain how APIs work to a small business owner who has no technical background."

AI: Think of an API like a waiter at a restaurant. You (the customer) don't go into the kitchen yourself — you tell the waiter what you want, and they bring it to you. An API does the same thing between apps. When you click "Pay with PayPal," your website's "waiter" goes to PayPal's kitchen and comes back with the payment confirmation.

Same topic. Now it's written for the actual reader — no jargon, relatable example.

Why This Works

When you don't specify an audience, AI writes for a vague "general reader" — which often means no one in particular. The result is either too basic for experts or too technical for beginners.

When you name the audience, AI adjusts everything: vocabulary, depth, examples, and tone. A CEO gets the executive summary. A developer gets the technical details. A fifth-grader gets the simple version.

Ways to Describe Your Audience

By expertise level "for a complete beginner" / "for someone with 10 years of experience"

By role or profession "for a marketing manager" / "for a software developer" / "for a nurse"

By age or education "for a 10-year-old" / "for college students" / "for PhD researchers"

By what they care about "for someone who cares about cost" / "for someone focused on speed"

How to Ask

"Explain this to someone with no technical background."
"Write this for busy executives who need the key points fast."
"This is for first-time homebuyers who don't know the process."
"Assume the reader is an experienced developer."
"Write this so a 12-year-old could understand it."

The Technique

Before you ask AI to explain or write something, picture the person who will actually read it. Then tell AI who that person is. The output will match their level.

When to Use This

• Explaining complex topics to non-experts
• Writing content for a specific demographic
• Creating training materials for different skill levels
• Translating technical jargon for stakeholders
• Any time the reader's background matters