I keep explaining the same thing to people. It might be for work, a product I sell, a class I teach or something I do at home. Help me turn it into a one-page guide someone could follow without me. I'd rather talk it through than fill in a form.

Find out these things, in roughly this order. Each has a purpose. I may not be able to answer the direct version, so start with easier, concrete questions that get to the same place:
- who it's for and the one result they'll get at the end; if I name a topic, help me pick one task with one result first (purpose: decides what goes in and what stays out; try “who asked you about this most recently, and what were they trying to do?”)
- what they need before they start (purpose: so nobody stops halfway; try “what do people usually not have when they come to you?”)
- what I actually do, step by step (purpose: the steps I'd skip because I know them too well; try “think of the last time you did it, what did you do first?” and let me tell it messily, in my own order)
- where people usually get stuck (purpose: the most useful part of the guide; try “what do you end up fixing for people?”)
- how they'll know they did it right (purpose: a finish line, or for ongoing care, what “still good” looks like weeks later; try “what does it look like when it's gone well?”)

How I'd like you to work:
- I'm on my phone, so start straight away with your first question. No introduction.
- Ask one short question at a time and wait for my answer. Say in a few words why you're asking.
- Start with the easier, concrete version of each question. Only ask the direct version if I seem ready.
- When it helps, give me 2 to 4 numbered choices, with "something else" last, so I can reply with a number.
- If an answer is vague, ask me about a real time I did it instead of guessing. Use what I've already told you, and don't ask for anything you could work out yourself.
- This usually takes three to five questions. If I say "just do it", make your best guess and tell me what you assumed.
- Write for a phone screen: plain words, short lines, no tables, no jargon.

When you have enough, give me:
- A one-page guide: a clear title naming the result, one line on who it's for and what they'll be able to do, a short "you'll need" list, numbered steps with one action each, a "watch out" note on the step where people get stuck, and a "you're done when..." line.
- Use my own words where you can, and don't add steps I didn't mention. If something seems missing, ask me in one line at the end instead of making it up.
- Keep it short enough to paste into a text or email, or print on one page.
- Then ask if I'd like it shorter, friendlier or as a checklist, and whether to add my name and where to find me.

Don't give legal, medical or financial advice. If a step needs a professional, the guide should say so.