Use Simple Language
Why do we use big words? Do they make us feel smart? Do they cover-up insecurity? Whatever the reason, using complicated language to demonstrate competence is our enemy. It is a certain way to lose the audience’s attention. Here are three things to keep in mind when considering which words to use.
Why do we use big words? Do they make us feel smart? Do they cover-up insecurity? Whatever the reason, using complicated language to demonstrate competence is our enemy. It is a certain way to lose the audience’s attention. Here are three things to keep in mind when considering which words to use.
- Big words are out. All great speeches, advertisements and modern persuasive writing use common everyday language.
- An audience adores someone who can make something complicated seem very simple. If you have a complex or technical message to communicate first try it out on the most junior person you can to evaluate if it communicates.
- Get to the main point fast. If you don’t, you’ll lose your audience.
C. S. Lewis famously wrote; "Don't use words too big for the subject. Don't say 'infinitely' when you mean 'very'; otherwise you'll have no word left when you want to talk about something really infinite."
