1. Simple language comes across as less formal and professional
You need to use long sentences and lots of fancy words to come across as professional. At least, this is what many people seem to think. Just look at a notarial deeds or, even worse, royal speeches. There is absolutely no need to make your text so complicated. You can come across just as professional and formal by using clear and simple language. And we’re not just saying that: research has shown it too.
2. Smart people prefer complicated texts
And if you oversimplify your text, they won’t feel like they’re being taken seriously. Or they’re being patronised and start getting annoyed. The opposite is true. We can draw on academic research here, too: for instance, it has been shown that even highly educated people appreciate simple texts. Because everyone likes clarity and only having to read a text once.
3. Difficult language makes you seem smarter
While we’re on the subject of being smart, let’s debunk this persistent idea right away. Being able to capture your message in understandable language shows that you really know what you are talking about. So, most importantly, don’t bother with unnecessarily difficult terms and endless sentences full of commas.
4. Understandable writing is basically children’s language
You really don’t need to write in children’s language to make your text clear and easy to read. Avoiding or explaining tricky words can definitely help, as can writing shorter sentences. But there are many more things that determine whether a text is easy to understand or not. They involve all kinds of elements, from your text’s structure to how you use images. You can read more about it in the blog: Writing understandably: looking for the right mix!
5. Writing ‘simple’ texts is easy
A lot of people take this view - unfortunately! Even if something is so clear to you, conveying it in text can be quite challenging. Because your reader has to get it too. And you have to consider quite a few things for that to happen: what does the reader want to know, what style is most appropriate, what do you say and what do you leave out... We could go on and on.
Luckily, you’re not alone and we are happy to help you on your way. You can learn all about how to write clear texts that are easy to read in our training course Writing understandably for a wide audience. The course can be taken as a group course (with open enrolment, only in Dutch) or as a tailor-made course.
