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Posted By:
vangogh
238 days ago
Topic Type: News Story (Jump to http://www.yellowhousehosting.com)
Category: Blogging
If the words and sentences you use are too complex a number of people who might otherwise appreciate what you have to say may have trouble following how you’re saying it.
4 Comments
Comments
Makes a lot of sense - I remember somebody saying that some of the best copy is targeted to an 8th or 9th grade reading level...wish I remembered the source!
I'm not sure one way or the other about writing to an 8th or 9th grader, but I can see it. I think it depends somewhat on who your target audience is, but the wider you want to be read the more you need to write to a lower level of reading comprehension.
I agree, though sometimes people mistake complexity of language with authority. Seth recently also said catering to the common denominator will get you a bunch of people with no money to spend while catering to smart, educated readers will attract buyers.
I don't like simple ideas but I do try to explain complicated ideas in a way anyone can understand. You want what you write to be as scan-friendly as possible; complicated ideas expressed in a jumble of words no one has ever heard of just slows reading down to a crawl. Then again, if writing is too simple, people will get bored.
I think the people who mistake complexity of language with authority are usually the ones trying to squeeze in as many big words as possible. Writing is about communicating and in order to communicate an idea you need to be understood.
Seth makes an interesting point. We could simplify our words so a child can understand, but that child isn't going to be breaking out a credit card. I think it's important to understand who you're writing for and use appropriate language for that group.
I think in general if you're trying to appeal to a large audience writing to a highschool junior or senior is a good fit, but it ultimately depends on your audience.