When it comes to public speaking, simplicity helps your message sail smoothly, keeping your audience engaged and on course. Short, straightforward words are like the wind in your sails—they help you cut through the noise and deliver your ideas with clarity and precision.
In a world full of distractions, simplicity is your greatest tool. Your audience wants to understand your message quickly and easily, without getting lost in jargon or complex phrasing. When you use short words, your message remains clear and accessible, making it easier for everyone to follow along.
Let’s explore why short words should be your go-to strategy and how you can incorporate them to keep your speech sailing forward with ease.
Why Short Words Work So Well
1. Ease of Understanding
Short words help people grasp your message fast. When you keep things simple, your audience stays on the same page with you throughout your speech. You don’t want them spending time decoding complex terms when they could be absorbing your message instead.
2. Better Engagement
When your words are easy to follow, your audience is more likely to stay engaged. If you start using technical language or complex phrasing, you risk losing their attention. Keeping things simple allows them to focus on the meaning behind your words, rather than the words themselves.
3. Boosting Persuasion
Short words don’t just make your speech clearer—they also make it more persuasive. By breaking down your message into its simplest form, you present your ideas more directly, which strengthens your impact on your audience.
How to Use Short Words in Your Speech
Here are some practical tips to ensure your speeches are as clear and impactful as possible:
1. Follow the Three-Syllable Rule
Whenever possible, stick to words with three syllables or fewer. Short words are easier to digest and help keep your speech flowing smoothly. Simplify without losing meaning.
🚫 Instead of: “Utilize”
✅ Say: “Use”
🚫 Instead of: “Facilitate”
✅ Say: “Help”
2. Use AI Tools to Simplify Language
Technology can be your ally in simplifying your speech. Tools like the Hemingway App can help you identify complex sentences and suggest simpler alternatives. You can also use AI-powered assistants to rewrite sections of your speech with more concise and direct language.
3. Think Like a 6th Grader
A good rule of thumb? Keep it simple, make it powerful. Studies suggest that content written at a 6th-grade reading level is more easily absorbed by a broad audience—especially when people are hearing something for the first time.
This doesn’t mean you need to dumb down your ideas. It just means making them more accessible so they stick with your audience.
4. Use the “Grandma Time-Out” Test
Imagine you’re explaining your ideas to your grandma or grandpa. Would they understand the words you’re using?
If not, it’s a signal to simplify. When you approach complex topics as if you’re explaining them to a loved one unfamiliar with the subject, you naturally break it down into more understandable terms.
5. Get Feedback from Your Audience
The best way to test the simplicity of your message is to practice with others.
- Deliver sections of your speech to friends, family, or colleagues.
- Afterward, ask them to repeat back the key points they remember.
- Listen to the words they use when summarizing your talk.
If they use simpler words than you did, that’s a clue that you might need to adjust your language.
6. Be Concise
Make every word count. Don’t clutter your speech with unnecessary details or lengthy explanations.
✅ Get to the point quickly so your audience can easily follow along and retain your key ideas.
7. Avoid Jargon
Industry-specific language can confuse people who aren’t familiar with the terms.
🚫 Instead of: “Synergy”
✅ Say: “Working together”
🚫 Instead of: “Leverage core competencies”
✅ Say: “Use your strengths”
If you must use a technical term, briefly explain it or find a simpler alternative.
8. Tell Stories
Stories naturally use simple language and create an emotional connection with your audience.
A good story should include:
📌 Who, what, when, why, where, and the incident.
📌 The lesson learned.
Stories make your message stick—and when you keep them simple, they become even more powerful.
The Power of Simplicity in Thought Leadership
If you want to be a thought leader, mastering clear and simple communication is essential.
You can be the best presenter in the world, but if your message goes over your audience’s head, you won’t have the impact you’re aiming for.
Whether you’re:
🎤 Building your personal brand
🚀 Growing your influence
📢 Teaching or inspiring others
Clear communication is key to getting your message across effectively.
Next Steps: Make Your Message Resonate
Are you ready to refine your speaking style and become a more effective communicator?
If you’re looking to:
✅ Grow your personal brand
✅ Build your reputation
✅ Share your expertise in a way that truly connects with people
I can help. Let’s get started on your journey to becoming a thought leader—one simple, clear message at a time.
📅 Book an intro call, and let’s make your message stronger.
This article was originally inspired by a LinkedIn post I wrote. You can read the original version here: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/why-short-words-pack-big-punch-public-speaking-ryan-foland–agk2c/
Comments are closed