Keep It Simple Stupid

I love the K.I.S.S. principle! Keep it simple stupid. 

I never really understood the seeming need for complicated explanations or overuse of big words when often it could be said in simpler terms with the same if not fewer words. 

I like to use a good rule of thumb when writing or speaking; if someone has to re-read or ask me to repeat what I said, it's too complicated. If you have to read something several times just to understand it, you're not saving time by throwing in those dollar words. This is why I am especially partial to the use of analogies. Speaking or writing with a story is much easier to understand and activates our brains that help us remember.

When I write about my work, I visualize my intended audience and aim just under their understanding to reach a larger audience and make those it is intended to read and understand it faster. Writing is truly an art, and learning how to keep things simple and to the point is more challenging than using those 5 dollar words

In some areas, you can't avoid using technical terms, especially in the more technical industries, but reducing the number of complicated terms and reducing them to the principle helps you get your idea across faster and less friction. They don't have to break down every word you said and can actually focus on what you're saying. 

This is why I always try to respond to people with a summary of what we discussed in straightforward terms that still get the main message across. It also shows that you're paying attention and gives the other person to clarify something if you misinterpreted something they said.