While speaking to a friend yesterday, I was reminded of a lesson that I somehow forgot as I learn more.
Don’t use big words when speaking.
Simple language to describe complex ideas almost always is better than using big words.
The simplifying of a concept is a test of understanding.
Underlying big words is a sense of fear. What if the other person actually understands what I’m saying and calls me out on it?
By making things simple, you invite criticism.
As with everything, this can be taken to an extreme but ask yourself the question when speaking to others:
How would I explain this to an 8-year-old?
Richard Feynman is a master of this if you’re looking for a model to emulate. Watch him explain concepts in physics here…
