I thought your post was outstanding. As a communication studies professor, I talk about language use often, and you nailed it—simple is service. Bravo!
Thank you Georgine. This feels like high praise from a teacher in this field🙏. I'm sure you've seen your share of overblown prose! I used to edit students' work also and had to reassure them that simpler is better.
Great point. One of my teachers always used to say when you're stuck struggling with how to word something, just stop and (simply:) ask yourself "What am I trying to say?" You can embellish it, or just say it in the most simple way.
I was thinking about this as I listened to an audiobook yesterday. It’s a brilliant book, using historical and philosophical analysis to undo certain ideas that sustain inequality. It’s supposed to be for a general audience but sounds like it was written for a liberal arts seminar on critical theory. When we overcomplicate our writing, we limit its reach. That’s unfortunate not only for us but also for the people who could be helped by our ideas. I was so excited to read that book, but I’m tapping out. Even with my PhD, it’s too much of a slog.
"Like others, I believed that the more abstract my language, the more legitimate I sounded. But what it did was build a wall, one word at a time, between me and the people I wanted to reach."
Yes yes yes - to the point (or "on point"?) as always Jeanette. Hard to shake those old habits I have to confess. Big words = smart in many worlds. And it is sometimes appropriate to use just the right word that conveys the subtler meaning you intend - but you do need to read your audience.
Hi Jeanette,
I thought your post was outstanding. As a communication studies professor, I talk about language use often, and you nailed it—simple is service. Bravo!
Thank you Georgine. This feels like high praise from a teacher in this field🙏. I'm sure you've seen your share of overblown prose! I used to edit students' work also and had to reassure them that simpler is better.
Great point. One of my teachers always used to say when you're stuck struggling with how to word something, just stop and (simply:) ask yourself "What am I trying to say?" You can embellish it, or just say it in the most simple way.
I was thinking about this as I listened to an audiobook yesterday. It’s a brilliant book, using historical and philosophical analysis to undo certain ideas that sustain inequality. It’s supposed to be for a general audience but sounds like it was written for a liberal arts seminar on critical theory. When we overcomplicate our writing, we limit its reach. That’s unfortunate not only for us but also for the people who could be helped by our ideas. I was so excited to read that book, but I’m tapping out. Even with my PhD, it’s too much of a slog.
I know. We just prefer to not slog any more because we have access to quality writing. Everyone misses out!
Thank you—I needed this reminder!
"Like others, I believed that the more abstract my language, the more legitimate I sounded. But what it did was build a wall, one word at a time, between me and the people I wanted to reach."
Yes yes yes - to the point (or "on point"?) as always Jeanette. Hard to shake those old habits I have to confess. Big words = smart in many worlds. And it is sometimes appropriate to use just the right word that conveys the subtler meaning you intend - but you do need to read your audience.
A very good read and oh so true
So true, Fiona. Big specific words have their place in making meaning clear. Just not in obscuring meaning. Or bamboozling the reader.
Thanks Laura! I'm glad it resonated with your experience too. And I wish more politicians and academics took it on board.