Communicating for Simplicity

Do you know someone who uses lots of jargon, big words, and long sentences?

How do you feel when you're around that person? 

Chances are, you don't feel that they truly care about you when they're talking. It's more like they're talking to impress others and make themselves stand out as intelligent or accomplished. 

One of the biggest communication fails comes from what I like to call "talking big," which means you're more focused on making yourself look good than actually engaging with others. The unfortunate consequence of making yourself look big, is that it inherently makes others around you look smaller, which makes them feel uncomfortable.

Here's a video example of this communication fail in action. 

Are you guilty of this?

If you are, this is something you can easily work on changing. By simplifying your speech, you give others the ability to connect with you without the barriers your big words can create. You don't have to "dumb down" your conversations, but you should always be aware of the perception others may have of you when you're in conversations with them.

Here's an example. 

#Fail: "Now what I've found is an indispensable symmetry between the synergies created amongst the integrated marketing and the digital analytics organizations within the hierarchical structures of this powerful Fortune 200 global entity. 

#Winner: "What I've realized is that when our marketing teams work together rather than separately, they are able to accomplish so much more for the company. 

By reducing the jargon, the big-words, and the length of your communication, you make the conversation accessible to others. You are now more approachable, easier to relate to, and by and large more likely to connect with lots of people.