Thursday, January 22, 2009

Simplify. Simplify. Simplify.

Leonardo da Vinci said: "Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication." Reflect on that for a minute.

OK. Albert Einstein said: "Everything should be made as simple as possible, but not simpler." Reflect on that for a moment.

Jack Welch said: "You can't believe how hard it is for people to be simple, how much they fear being simple. They worry that if they're simple, people will think they are simple-minded. In reality, of course, it's just the reverse. Clear, tough-minded people are the most simple." How does that strike you?

What does simplicity have to do with communication? Everything!

If you want to communicate, if you want to share understanding with others, start with simplicity. Aim for understanding. Avoid jargon and pretense. Opt for a familiar style. Speak and write in action verbs. Use concrete details. Tell stories. Be emotional. Reveal your humanity. Above all, be fearless.

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