It's labyrinthine
But it doesn't have to be
Want to know a complicated way to say complicated?
Enter labyrinthine [ lab-uh-rin-thin, -theen ], a fancy adjective that means of, relating to, or resembling a labyrinth; complicated or torturous.
While I’m all for learning and using new words that perfectly capture your intended message, I’m reasonably certain that we won’t see “It’s labyrinthine” as a relationship status option anytime soon.
(Yikes — and if you do, run!)
Consider the difference between:
You should immediately carry out that action that will help you excel.
And:
Just do it.
One of my biggest pet peeves in communication—especially business communication—is unnecessary complexity.
Adding more (or more complicated) words doesn’t make you sound better, stronger, or smarter; it usually backfires, inciting confusion.
The more you can simplify, the easier it is for your intended audience to understand you.
I suggest maximizing the power of your words by elucidating simplifying them.
Here are four ways to keep your communication simple:
Aim for clarity over clever
Yes, it’s tempting to be witty in your latest marketing campaign, but you’re in trouble if it leaves your audience scratching their heads. To avoid confusing people, always aim for clarity.
Avoid unnecessary jargon
Swap acronyms and buzzwords for plain language to increase your odds of your message being received—and understood.
Make brevity your friend
When you want to deliver a message, think concise and compelling. Be intentional about your communication, eliminate extraneous material, and get to the point.
Focus on one takeaway
A good rule of thumb is that each piece of content should revolve around one central theme. This forces you to get specific about and home in on your message. And that focus promotes better understanding, making it easier for your audience to understand your perspective.
Business and life are complicated enough; keep your communication simple.
Communication isn’t the only thing that benefits from simplicity.
In the context of your career, it can mean the difference between a ho-hum existence and being a professional powerhouse.
In my latest Forbes article, I share three ways to tap into the power of simplicity to supercharge your career.
Shine on,
Amy
P.S. When I’m not writing this newsletter or discovering convoluted ways to say “complicated,” (See what I did there? 😉) I’m a social media ghostwriter. (Yep, that’s a thing). I help founders, entrepreneurs, and CXOs craft their stories to communicate and connect better by magnifying their reach and impact. (Think personal branding and thought leadership.) Learn more here.
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