Are You Losing Readers? Here’s What the Research Says You’re Doing Wrong

Why your writing might be turning readers away

Photo by Anna Tarazevich:

Your advice is stupid.

I’m not writing for 7-year-olds.

I’d written an article recommending that writers keep their language simple. No complex words. No jargon. Just clear, easy-to-read content. Another writer fired back, calling it insulting — saying it “dumbs down” the writing.

I had a hunch that simple was better.

But now I was doubting myself. So, I dug deep into the research, and what I found flipped my perspective. Is simplicity the key to clear writing, or is it better to lean into complexity? The results? Unexpected.

We all know simple writing is easier to grasp, but the research uncovered a whole lot more. What really struck me were the four surprising benefits of writing simply.

Let me walk you through it — and show you how I’ve applied this approach in my own writing.

1. Why complexity doesn’t work when you need to persuade

You want to persuade your readers.

It’s natural to imagine impressive writing impresses. That if you write in a complex way readers will think you’re…