How to Explain Code in English (Even If You're Not Fluent)

When someone asks you "Can you walk me through your code?" Do you ever get nervous?

Don't worry we all do it!

Explaining technical concepts is already super hard, But also doing it in English? that's the big challenge. But its ok because you don't need Perfect English to explain code. You just a little bit structure, clarity and phrasing.

So today I will guide you on how to successfully talk about code so you can do well in your next code review!

Use clear structures every time

So many times we try to translate word by word to come up with the perfect answer but we don't need to do that, we just need to follow this simple structure.

1. What does it do?
2. Why does it exist?
3. How it works? (simple explanation)

Example:

“This function handles user authentication. // what does it do?
We use JWT tokens to keep it secure. // Why does it exist?
It checks the token in the header and verifies it with our backend.” //How it works?

Keep it short. Don’t explain every detail unless asked.

Use transition phrases

Many times we are not sure how to change, resume or conclude subjects but here are some good transition phrases that can help.

\\Starting an explanation\\ “So basically, this part handles…”

\\Moving to another subject\\ “Next, we…” / “Then it…”

\\Giving reason\\ “We do this to make sure…”

\\Highlight changes\\ “Compared to the old version…”

\\Summary\\ “In short, it does…”

Example Sentences you can follow

“This function listens for new messages and updates the UI.” \\Starting an explanation\\

“We use a middleware to log the request before it hits the route handler.” \\Moving to another subject\\

“Instead of a loop, I used recursion because the depth is dynamic.”\\Highlight changes\\

“I chose this method to keep the code modular and reusable.”\\Giving reason\\

See, you don't need fancy vocabulary but clarity.

Real Example: How to Explain Your Code in English

Scenario:
You're asked in an interview:
“Can you explain this part of your code?”
(You’re showing a function that creates and sends a password reset email.)

Code Snippet:

func SendResetEmail(userEmail string) {
    token := generateToken(userEmail)
    storeTokenInDB(token, userEmail)
    emailBody := createResetEmail(token)
    sendEmail(userEmail, emailBody)
}

Simple Explanation in English:

“This function sends a password reset email to the user.
First, it generates a token based on the user's email.
Then we store that token in the database so we can validate it later.
After that, it creates the email content using the token, and finally sends it to the user's email.”

Fluent Version:

“This function handles the full reset email flow.
We start by generating a token and storing it for later verification.
Then we generate the message body using that token and send it to the user.
It's a simple, modular design that keeps each part reusable.”

Both versions are clear, you should pick one based off your current level.

What to Avoid

1. Long explanations and complex sentences
2. Using a lot of filler words (uh, um, things, like)
3. Apologizing, you don't need to apologize about your English you are doing great!

Practice

The more you try to speak, the better the explanations become.

Try this:

• Pick a function or feature you wrote.
• Record yourself explaining it in 3 sentences.
• Practice until it sounds natural.
• Use apps like HelloTalk or HiNative for feedback.

You don't need to be Perfect- just need a good strategy

Just remember, not everyone is great at speaking, it takes time and effort. Just like it took time to polish your coding skills, it takes time to polish your speaking skills! So don't forget, you can do anything you set your mind to!

Need some practice?

If you need to practice for your next meeting, code review, etc, don't forget to book a lesson! Book now!