Interlude: Simplicity, Illusion, and Machines as Tools
I've been thinking a lot about simplicity in writing. Many of us have heard the mantra "keep it simple and straightforward." Yet, when it comes to scientific and medical writing, many authors use "keep it complex and confusing."
Part of this problem is rooted in the curse of knowledge, which means that we unintentionally assume that our readers know what we know. And this curse also applies to the language we use. We unintentionally assume that readers are fluent in the same "specialist" language that we use.
But another part of the problem lies in our egos. We want to "sound" smart, prestigious, or sophisticated. But complex language only gives us the illusion of these qualities.
The reality is that when we use complex language, readers will feel confused, bored, or frustrated. And they will associate those feelings with the work and with us as the authors. So, complex language creates the opposite of what we seek.
We can also greatly benefit from taking the time to explain things simply. Because explaining things simply also helps us clarify our thinking. In the words of one of the most renowned scientists, Albert Einstein, "If you can't explain it simply, you don't understand it well enough.”
So, throw out the jargon, long sentences, and big words to clarify your thinking, connect with readers, and showcase your knowledge.
And now onto this week's curated round up...
💌 Round-up
🎉 Featured
How to Develop Conscious Communication Skills
If you missed my podcast interview with Alex Howson on Write Medicine, you can now watch our conversation on YouTube. We talk about communication in relationship building, how to cultivate a communications mindset, and tools and practices to develop self-awareness in your work.
👓 Reading
Why Simple is Smart
“Complicated language and jargon offer writers the illusion of sophistication, but jargon can send a signal to some readers that the writer is dense or overcompensating.”
ChatGPT is fun, but not an author
“Machines play an important role, but as tools for the people posing the hypotheses, designing the experiments, and making sense of the results. Ultimately the product must come from—and be expressed by—the wonderful computer in our heads.”
💬 Quote
"The simpler you say it, the more eloquent it is." — August Wilson
📝 Challenge
This week, review your writing and substitute short words for long words to simplify the language and signal to readers that you want to connect with them and make their job easier.
Thank you so much for reading.
Warmly,
Crystal
