I tell them to imagine Reddit or Facebook and then imagine being paid for likes or upvotes in Steem and Steem Dollars (internet tokens). How the price is determined is through supply and demand for Steem and Steem Dollars.

Then I tell them to try it out. Just make an account - you have nothing to lose. Post an article or post a comment and I will upvote you so that you can see the value of your posts change. After one week you will receive the money in your wallet.

Most people then still don't understand, but they enjoy the earnings. :D