Stop trying to sound smart

...instead, be smart when you talk

Simplicity is the ideal we should strive for good communication. However, we often deliberately use complex vocabulary to give the impression of intelligence.

In 2005, an experiment was conducted at Princeton University to test if such an attempt is effective, making the user look intelligent. The professor asked the students to evaluate multiple versions of essays across various levels of difficulty.

The results were clear. Everybody preferred the less complicated versions with smaller, simpler words. Complexity couldn’t disguise the shortcomings of poor writing. The results even suggest that using overly complex words can have a profoundly negative impact on the user’s likability. In note, these were academic essays that people are relatively more accepting when difficult words are used.

Sometimes, we use big words because of our insecurity and neediness. Those who are really smart and confident don’t need to demonstrate their intelligence by using sophisticated expressions, which are not really helpful in relating to the audience.

Having said that, you need to speak like a good salesperson if you want to have good communication. People will forget what you said. Soon, they will also forget how you said it. However, they will never forget how you made them feel. By using big words, you are only impressing yourself while putting others down, jeopardizing the dialogue and the relationship.

Regardless of the contents, nobody wants to be a part of the conversation that he is just a sidekick. Do not dictate the conversation, and make sure to use the words that your audience is familiar with. Don’t force your idea onto them. Instead, you should make them voluntarily want it.

How? You can start by choosing small and simple words. Speaking like an alien will not impress them, it will only backfire hard, immediately.

Making things complex is easy. The definition of true genius is taking the complex and making it simple so it can be accepted by the world. See how Jesus uses metaphors to communicate with the uneducated.