Use Simple Language
Use Simple Language
One common mistake that speech writers make when they are writing their speech is to write their speech using the same language that they would use in a printed document. Experienced speech writers know that simple language and ideas are easier to understand than complex ones. “Clear speaking is not an alternative to intelligent discourse, but rather an enabler of intelligent discourse” (21) PP 79. Did you know that Lincoln’s Gettysburg address contains only 271 words, and 251 of these words only have one or two syllables (24)? Another benefit of using simple language is that you are less likely to trip over or mispronounce simple words. Instead of “protracted,” say “drawn out.” Instead of “conundrum,” say “puzzle.” And instead of “loquacious,” say “talkative.” As you are writing your speech you also want to avoid technical jargon, slang, clichés, and euphemisms. This type of language is difficult to understand and tends to be low impact. Compare the Low Impact language column with the High Impact column below to see examples of ways to make your language more powerful.
Simplify Your Language
| Low Impact | High Impact |
| Under the present circumstances | Currently |
| At the present time | Now |
| Are in agreement with | Agree |
| Due to the fact that | Because |
| Is fully operational | Works |
| In close proximity to | Near |
| Of sufficient magnitude | Big enough |
| In the event of | If |
| Each and every one | Each |
| In the course of | During |
| Never before or since | Never |
| Deciduous trees (jargon) | Trees that lose their leaves |
| Somnolent (jargon) | Drowsy |
| Awesome (slang) | Impressive |
| Put the bite on (slang) | Borrow |
| No brainer (cliché) | Easy decision |
| An arm and a leg (cliché) | Expensive |
| Vertically challenged (euphemism) | Short |
| Gone to the great beyond (euphemism) | Dead |
