In her book Bookbuilder, Lucy McCarraher shared a tip that’s gold for both authors and presenters: “Be kind to your readers.”
When writing a book or preparing a presentation, choose clear, simple words. Go for short, straight descriptions over long, winding ones.
Stay away from jargon and acronyms.
Your audience might not know what you do, and that’s why they’re listening to you.
Explain any complex terms the first time you use them – if you have to use them at all.
Think about the words people use in everyday life. Say start instead of commence. Say help instead of facilitate. Say ball instead of inflated spherical object.
Small choices like these make your message easier to absorb.
Whether it’s a book or a talk, the principle is the same.
Being clear is kind.
Timeless Presenter, my new book on the principles of communication that never expire, will be released soon.
If you’d like to be notified when it’s out, you can join the early access list here.