Tips for Clear Communication - 3. Shorter Words

3. Choose the Shortest, Most Ordinary Words
The day I realised intelligent listeners weren’t impressed by big words was a turning point. Even the best thinkers prefer simple, clear communication. Clear communication is build from clear words. Some words – like “utilise” – are nothing but fancy, padded, versions of a simpler, shorter word – like “use.” When there’s a choice, always use the shorter, simpler word. This is one of the key differences between written and spoken communication; we naturally use smaller words when we speak. Listen to yourself sometime. I confess - I should have eschewed utilising cumbersome terminology when diminutive vocabulary would have adequately sufficed.