There is a part of each one of us that wants to be admired. We want to be respected. We want other people to think of us highly. And why not? That is completely in line with human nature. From the dawn of time, men and women have struggled to gain power over one another in order to get the attention and admiration of our peers.

One way we do this as writers is by trying to appear smart. We use big words and sometimes throw in obscure references in the hopes that others will think we are accomplished and intelligent. Many people in the academic world fall prey to this type of thinking, believing that more degrees and titles, and evermore complicated papers—or perhaps a dissertation—will finally earn them the respect they deserve.

This isn’t to say that academic study is a waste of time. But let’s face it—a lot of academic writing has more to do with posturing and making the writer look smart, instead of being truly useful.

Sometimes big words are necessary, of course, depending on the context. However, for the most part, the best writing is simple, clear, and direct.

Think of the most effective communicators in history such as Martin Luther King, Jr., Abraham Lincoln, or Ronald Reagan. They used simple words, told stories, and communicated well in order to make their meaning clear.

The famous novelist Jack Kerouac said, “One day I will find the right words, and they will be simple.” Indeed, the right words are almost always simple, rather than hard to understand.

There is nothing wrong with sounding smart and having other people admire you for your knowledge. But isn’t it so much better to have people actually read your writing, and not only read it, but understand and share it?