Do you want to sound smart, or do you want to make sense?

Years ago, I had a boss that was a genius.

I asked him one day why his writing didn't reflect his IQ.     👇

“John, why do you use simple words in your emails and newsletters?  Don't you want to impress people with your knowledge?”

“Matt, some people use complex words to sound smart, I write on a 4th-grade reading level, so my words make sense.”

I'll never forget that. 

John’s ability to share complicated issues in a way that the masses understood was one of his superpowers.


Do you want to sound smart, or do you want to make sense?