Keep it Simple (Stupid)

Circumlocution: a hard word for a simple concept. It literally means talk around. You know the kind of writing (and talking) I mean: Use as many words as possible to say something.

The odd thing is that most people seem to think that the more words they use, and the more hard words they use, the smarter they sound. I see one problem with that. The more words you use, the less likely you are to communicate clearly. We’re back to TLDR (too long, didn’t read). Of course, if you don’t want people to read what you wrote, or understand what you wrote, fine. Go ahead. But don’t be surprised if you get half a dozen phone calls and emails asking for the short version.

Again, examples make this easier to understand.

Is capable of affecting

Has the ability to

In this day and age

Until such time as you can

Are of the same opinion

To the fullest possible extent

Maintain a high degree of activity

Over a period on the order of a decade

This is a short list—I could list these all day. Try these instead: can affect, can, now, when you can, agree, fully, remain active, for ten years.

If you are concerned that you will sound uneducated, think about it this way. People only notice writing style when the style interferes with their reading, slows them down, makes it harder for them to get what they need. A simple writing style isn’t simpleminded; it’s easy to read. 

The solution is not so simple. If you can say it in a short word, don’t use a long one. If you can say it in one word, don’t use five. If you can say it in one sentence, don’t use eight. If you can say it in one…

All right, I’m done.