Plain ScriptTechnical text in plain language, with a loss list

The situation

The internal fact sheet on expense rules is correct, yet the apprentices call every week. While simplifying, no duty and no deadline may get lost.

The cut

After

Goal: Rewrite the text below in plain language for [Target group, e.g. first-year apprentices].

Context: The text is [Text type, e.g. an internal fact sheet]. After reading it, readers should be able to [Action, e.g. submit their expenses correctly].

Source: Only the text below. Do not leave out any duty or any deadline. If a technical term is needed, explain it in half a sentence the first time it appears.

Expectations:
1. The text in short sentences, no more than 15 words per sentence, one idea per sentence.
2. A list “What changed in content” with everything you left out, summarized or weighted differently. If the list is empty, write “nothing”.
3. Four comprehension questions with answers that I can use to check whether the key points come across.

Text:
[Text, e.g. the technical text you want to simplify]

No add-on license, in Microsoft Copilot Chat. Without a copy button: select the text and copy it with Ctrl+C.

How to use it

1. Fill in target group, text type and action.
2. Paste the technical text at the end and send.
3. Compare the list “What changed in content” point by point with the original.
4. Ask the comprehension questions to someone from the target group before you hand out the new version.

How to spot a good answer

• Short sentences with one idea per sentence.
• Technical terms explained the first time they appear.
• A loss list, even if it only says “nothing”.
• Four comprehension questions with answers.

The check

Count the questions about the fact sheet in the two weeks before and the two weeks after the plain language version.

Limits

• “Plain language” here means written so people understand it. It is not “Easy Read” following fixed rules.
• The loss list is a pointer. You compare duties and deadlines with the original yourself.
• The original stays binding until the responsible person approves the new version.

Sources

Microsoft Learn: Write an effective prompt (training unit), Microsoft Learn: Review prompting best practices (training unit). As of October 15, 2026.

Mark as practiced

Prefer to practice with guidance? Live course “Copilot Ninja in 4 Wochen” (in German) at the Power Platform Academy

Pass it on

Technique 2 from the PowerPlatformAcademy Dojo: Plain Script. The prompt simplifies a technical text and lists separately what changed in content. Free to copy, with a source on Microsoft Learn.

https://copilot.ninja/en/techniken/fachtext-in-klartext/

Combo: A website that answers questions