In our fast-paced and ever-changing business world, complexity often seems inevitable. The technical language that saturates many industries can feel impenetrable and to many within the sector, but we won’t admit it.
I believe that simplicity should be our guiding principle, particularly when it comes to communication. Simplified, clear language is not a sign of dumbing things down; it’s a mark of respect for your audience, ensuring that your message is accessible, and your intentions understood.
As an entrepreneur, I’ve seen how technical jargon can create barriers. Surprisingly, many of us fail to even realize when we are “speaking technical.” Words and phrases that are routine in our industries—terms like “cloud computing,” “leveraging synergies,” or “AI-driven solutions”—have become so normalized that we forget they may mean little or nothing to those outside our community.
Let’s explore why simplicity matters and how to achieve it, along with a practical tip to ensure your company’s message is clear.
Why Simplicity Matters
1. Accessibility for All
The ultimate goal of communication is understanding. If your audience doesn’t grasp what you’re saying, your message has failed. By using simple, straightforward language, you make your ideas accessible to a broader audience, including those who may not share your technical expertise.
For example, consider the term “cloud.” In the tech world, it’s a ubiquitous concept. But ask a room full of people to explain it, and you’ll likely get a wide range of interpretations, from “it’s where my photos are stored” to “some magical place where data lives.” Simplifying this to “data stored on remote servers accessed via the internet” instantly clarifies the meaning without oversimplifying the concept.
2. Building Trust
Jargon can sometimes come across as a smokescreen—an attempt to obscure rather than explain. When you use clear, plain language, it signals transparency and builds trust. Your audience is more likely to believe in your message and your intentions if they feel you are making an effort to communicate honestly and clearly.
3. Encouraging Engagement
People are more likely to engage with content they can easily understand. Whether you’re pitching to investors, selling to customers, or rallying your team, simplicity increases the likelihood of connection. Complexity, on the other hand, can alienate, confuse, or even intimidate.
How to Simplify Your Language
1. Assume No Prior Knowledge
Start with the assumption that your audience has no background in your field. This approach forces you to break down concepts into their most fundamental components. Imagine explaining your business to a teenager or someone from a completely unrelated industry—how would you phrase it?
2. Eliminate Unnecessary Jargon
Take a critical look at your communication materials. Are there industry-specific terms that could be replaced with simpler, more universally understood words? For example, instead of saying “leverage synergies,” try “work together effectively.” Instead of “utilize,” say “use.”
3. Use Analogies and Examples
Analogies and relatable examples can be powerful tools to simplify complex ideas. For instance, instead of explaining blockchain as a “distributed ledger technology,” you might say, “It’s like a digital notebook that everyone can see and agree on, but no one can change.”
4. Test Your Message
Before rolling out any communication, test it on a sample audience. Do they understand the main points? Do they have questions about basic concepts? Their feedback will help you refine your message for clarity.
A Practical Tip for Entrepreneurs
Here’s a simple exercise to test the clarity of your messaging:
- Copy the Text from Your Website or Marketing Materials Take the main content from your company’s landing page, product descriptions, or marketing materials.
- Paste It into Your Favorite AI Assistant Ask the question, “What does this company do?”
- Evaluate the Response Does the AI’s interpretation align with what you want your audience to understand? If the answer is a clear and accurate summary, congratulations—you’re communicating effectively. If not, it’s time to revisit and revise your content.
This exercise can serve as a litmus test for the simplicity and clarity of your messaging. If an AI assistant can’t grasp what you do, it’s likely that your human audience is struggling too.
Simplicity is a Skill, Not a Shortcut
Simplifying your language doesn’t mean dumbing down your message. On the contrary, it requires a deep understanding of your subject matter to distill complex ideas into their essence. This is a skill that takes practice but pays dividends in better engagement, stronger relationships, and more successful outcomes.
Remember, the goal of communication is not to impress with your vocabulary but to connect with your audience. In an increasingly complex world, simplicity is not just a virtue—it’s a competitive advantage.
As entrepreneurs, let’s make simplicity our goal. By doing so, we can bridge gaps, build trust, and create meaningful connections that drive success for our businesses and value for our audiences. The clearer our communication, the more likely it is that our ideas will inspire, influence, and create lasting impact.
