If you care about being thought credible and intelligent…
““If you care about being thought credible and intelligent, do not use complex language where simpler language will do. My Princeton colleague Danny Oppenheimer refuted a myth prevalent among undergraduates about the vocabulary that professors find most impressive. In an article titled "Consequences of Erudite Vernacular Utilized Irrespective of Necessity: Problems with Using Long Words Needlessly," he showed that couching familiar ideas in pretentious language is taken as a sign of poor intelligence and low credibility.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Using needlessly complex language harms credibility; clear, simple words convey intelligence better.
In simple terms: Complex words can make you look less credible.
Key Takeaway
Prefer plain language for trust.
Themes
communication
credibility
simplicity
cognition
Mood
informative
pragmatic
Type
advice
educational
When to use this quote
- public speaking
- academic writing
- business presentations
Key Concepts
linguistics
cognitive bias
education
Questions to Reflect On
- When does technical jargon become necessary?
- How can you simplify without losing nuance?
A Different Perspective
Some audiences may expect technical jargon.