How to Master the Art of Using Simplicity in Speechwriting.

Let me tell you about something I’ve learned, something really powerful when it comes to speaking: the magic of keeping things simple.

See, a good speech isn’t about how fancy your words are or how complicated your sentences are. Nope. Its strength comes from being super clear. While you might use big, beautiful words in a novel, or complex arguments in a legal document, a speech shines brightest when it’s direct. Almost surgically precise, you know? It’s about words that connect instantly with everyone listening. This isn’t about talking down to people. It’s about raising the bar on how easily people can get what you’re saying. Every word needs a purpose, every phrase has to land with impact, and every idea? It should be grasped without a struggle. Learning to be simple in your speechwriting is the difference between making a fleeting impression and leaving a lasting mark, between a polite nod and a genuine call to action.

A lot of us, myself included at times, used to think that sounding smart meant using really long sentences and obscure vocabulary. But honestly, real eloquence comes from being able to take a super complicated idea and boil it down into simple, easy-to-understand truths. I’m going to walk you through some key principles and strategies that I’ve found incredibly helpful. My goal for you is that your speeches don’t just speak volumes, but are understood volumes.

The Problem With What Seems Obvious: Why Simplicity Is So Hard

Before we dive into how to do this, let’s talk about why it’s so hard for so many of us. Why do we, with our big vocabularies and all this knowledge, struggle to just… be simple?

• Fear of Being Underestimated: A common trap I fell into was thinking that using simple language meant people would think I had simplistic thoughts. I’d try to overcompensate, believing that if I used elevated language, it would show how smart I was. But it totally backfired, making my message unclear.
• The Echo Chamber: We often write for ourselves, or for a small group of people who already know exactly what we’re talking about. Forgetting about the broader audience, and all the different levels of understanding they might have, is a huge mistake.
• Habit: If complex writing is something you’re used to, breaking that habit takes real, conscious effort. It’s just easier to keep doing what you’ve always done, even if it hurts your message.
• Not Really “Getting It” Ourselves: This one’s a bit of a paradox. Sometimes, writing that’s too complex actually hides the fact that we don’t fully understand the subject ourselves. When you truly grasp something, you can explain it to a child. If you’re struggling to simplify, it might mean your own understanding isn’t as solid as you think.
• The “Sound and Fury” Trap: Some of us believe that flowery language makes for a more impressive “performance.” While delivery is important, the words themselves need to carry the weight, not just the sound.

Overcoming these internal struggles is the very first step toward true simplicity. It’s all about changing your mindset: Stop trying to impress with words, and start trying to connect with ideas.

The Core Ideas of Simple Speechwriting

Simplicity isn’t just one trick; it’s a whole way of thinking, built on several connected principles.

1. Precision of Thought: Knowing Exactly What to Say

Before I even write a single word, I’ve learned that clear thinking is the most important thing. If your idea is fuzzy, your language will definitely be fuzzy too.

• Find Your Core Message (The One Thing): What’s the single most important thing you want your audience to remember? You need to boil your entire speech down to one short sentence. This becomes your North Star. Every story, every statistic, every emotional appeal has to reinforce this main idea.
  • Here’s how I do it: Before I start writing, I open a blank document and write: “My audience will remember that…” Then I complete that sentence in 10 words or less. If I can’t, I know I haven’t sharpened my message enough.
  • Example: Instead of this mouthful: “My objective today is to elucidate the various intricate methodologies for enhancing inter-departmental synergistic capabilities, leveraging cutting-edge technological infrastructure, thereby fostering a more streamlined and efficient operational paradigm.”
    • I’d say something like: “My audience will remember that teamwork and technology make us faster.”
• Know Your Audience: Who are you talking to? What do they already know? What do they need to know? When you tailor your language to their existing knowledge, you don’t have to explain as much. Try to avoid jargon from your field unless you’re speaking only to people who are just like you.
  • Here’s how I do it: I create a quick mental picture of a typical person in the audience: their age, job, education, what they’re probably interested in, and how much they likely know about my topic.
  • Example: Talking to tech industry veterans about AI needs different language than talking to a community group. The tech pros might understand “neural networks” easily; the community group needs “computer brains that learn like kids.”

2. Economy of Language: Every Word Has to Earn Its Keep

This is where that surgical precision really comes into play. I try to get rid of every extra word, phrase, and clause.

• Be Ruthless With Your Words: Pick the Simple Over the Complex: If there’s a simpler word, I use it. This isn’t about never using big words, but about using them only when they add unique meaning, not just to sound fancy.
  • Here’s how I do it: I keep a mental list (sometimes a real one) of complex words I tend to use and what their simpler alternatives are. Like: “utilize” (use), “commence” (start), “endeavor” (try), “ameliorate” (improve), “subsequently” (later).
  • Example: Instead of: “It is incumbent upon us to proactively engage in the facilitation of robust dialogue.”
    • I’d say: “We must talk more.”
• Cut the Redundancy: Say It Once: Don’t repeat ideas or use multiple words for one concept. “Basic fundamentals,” “future plans yet to come,” “personal opinion” – those are big culprits.
  • Here’s how I do it: After I draft something, I specifically look for adverbs that end in -ly that repeat the verb (like “walk slowly”). I also look for redundant adjectives.
  • Example: Instead of: “We need to plan ahead for future growth.”
    • I’d say: “We need to plan for growth.” (Growth implies future, right?)
• Active Voice is Your Friend: The active voice makes sentences direct, clear, and more engaging. It tells you who is doing what. The passive voice often hides who’s doing the action and makes sentences confusing.
  • Here’s how I do it: I scan my draft for phrases like “is done by,” “was created by,” “has been decided.” Then I change them.
  • Example: Instead of: “The decision was made by the committee.”
    • I’d say: “The committee made the decision.”
• Short Sentences Hit Harder: Short sentences are easier for people to process. They create impact and a good rhythm. Long, complex sentences make the audience hold too much information in their heads, which is just too much to process.
  • Here’s how I do it: I break down any sentence longer than 15-20 words. I look for words like “and,” “but,” “because,” and see if I can split them into two separate thoughts.
  • Example: Instead of: “Although the economic indicators suggested a downturn, the company, despite facing significant logistical challenges and an unpredictable market, managed to surpass its quarterly projections, largely due to its innovative marketing strategy that resonated with consumers, which was something we had not seen before.”
    • I’d say: “Economic indicators suggested a downturn. We faced logistical challenges and an unpredictable market. Still, our company surpassed its projections. Our innovative marketing strategy resonated with consumers. This was a new success.”

3. Clarity Through Imagery: Show, Don’t Just Tell

Even the simplest words can feel abstract if they don’t paint a picture or create a feeling. I try to tap into universal experiences.

• Use Concrete Language: Abstract ideas are harder to grasp. I try to root my ideas in something you can touch or see. Instead of talking about “progress,” I describe “the bridge being built.”
  • Here’s how I do it: For every abstract noun in my outline (like “success,” “justice,” “innovation”), I brainstorm a concrete image or action that shows it.
  • Example: Instead of: “Our collaboration will foster significant advancements in productivity.”
    • I’d say: “Our teamwork will help us build more, faster.” (You can imagine building, right?)
• Metaphors and Analogies: Bridge the Understanding Gap: I try to connect a new or complex idea to something familiar. A good analogy can light up an entire concept in seconds.
  • Here’s how I do it: When explaining something complex, I ask myself: “What is this like?” I look for similar things in everyday life, nature, or common experiences.
  • Example: Explaining compound interest: Instead of complex formulas, I say: “It’s like a snowball rolling down a hill. The longer it rolls, the bigger it gets, picking up more snow as it goes.”
  • Example: Explaining a complex problem: “Navigating this challenge is like trying to solve a Rubik’s Cube blindfolded. We need light and a clear strategy.”
• Storytelling: The Ultimate Simplifier: Humans are wired for stories. They make abstract ideas relatable, memorable, and emotional. A good story – problem, struggle, solution – simplifies complex issues by presenting them in a digestible, human way.
  • Here’s how I do it: For each key point, I think about a short story or a personal experience that illustrates it. Even a 30-second story can have a huge impact.
  • Example: Instead of: “Our new policy led to increased employee satisfaction and retention.”
    • I’d say: “Let me tell you about Sarah. Before our new policy, Sarah was tired, juggling childcare and long commutes. Now, with flexible hours, she’s vibrant, engaged, and telling everyone how much she loves working here. Sarah is not alone; our team is happier, and they’re staying.”

4. Structure for Listening: Guiding Your Audience’s Ear

A speech is all about listening, but I think about how I can make it easy for my audience to “scan” with their ears. I like to guide them through my ideas with clear markers.

• Logical Flow: One Idea at a Time: I present ideas one after the other. Each point should naturally lead to the next. I avoid jumping from one unrelated topic to another.
  • Here’s how I do it: I outline my speech using bullet points. Each bullet is a single idea. If a bullet has two distinct thoughts, I split them.
  • Example: Instead of jumping from economic policy to climate change solutions, then back to social inequality, I cover economic policy completely, then transition to its impact on social inequality, and then connect these to environmental concerns.
• Clear Signposts and Transitions: I use phrases that literally tell my audience where I’m going. “First, let’s consider…”, “Moving on to…”, “In conclusion…”, “What does this mean for us?” These are like mental speed bumps, giving the audience time to process and get ready for the next idea.
  • Here’s how I do it: I
    intentionally put transition phrases at the beginning of each new paragraph or distinct idea. Think of them as verbal road signs.
  • Example: Instead of: A sudden switch from the problem to the solution.
    • I’d say: “We’ve explored the challenges. Now, let’s turn our attention to the path forward.”
• Strategic Repetition (of Key Phrases): While repeating yourself too much in general isn’t good, strategically repeating your core message or key phrases definitely helps people understand and remember. Think of it like the chorus of a song.
  • Here’s how I do it: I identify my single core message and maybe two or three key ideas. Then I find natural places to say them again, perhaps using different words, throughout the speech.
  • Example: Early in the speech: “Our survival depends on innovation.” Later: “Innovation isn’t just a buzzword; it’s our lifeline.” Concluding: “Remember, innovation is the key to our future.”

The Hidden Power: Simplicity’s Impact

Learning to be simple isn’t just about making your speeches easier to understand; it unlocks deeper, more profound impacts:

• Everyone Gets It: Your message reaches everyone, no matter their background, education, or what they knew before. This makes your influence so much bigger.
• Easy to Remember: Simple ideas stick. They get lodged in people’s minds, ready to be recalled long after you’ve finished speaking.
• More Trustworthy: When you communicate clearly, it shows confidence and honesty. It implies you have nothing to hide and everything to share. Overly complex language can often feel manipulative or like you’re trying to avoid something.
• More Persuasive: When people truly understand, they’re much more likely to be persuaded. Confusion makes people doubt, clarity makes them believe.
• Emotional Connection: Simple, heartfelt language connects on an emotional level. It feels real and human, building empathy and rapport.
• People Take Action: If your audience understands what you want them to do, they are far more likely to actually do it. If things are vague, no one acts.

The Test: How Simple Is Your Speech?

Once I’ve drafted my speech, I put it through these three important checks:

1. The “Kid Test”: Could a reasonably smart 10-year-old understand your main message and the key points? Not all the tiny details, but the core idea. If not, I simplify it more.
2. The “Headline Test”: Can I summarize each main section of my speech into a compelling, short newspaper headline? If the headline is confusing, the content probably is too.
3. The “Blank Stare Test”: I read my speech aloud to a friend or colleague I trust. I ask for their immediate, honest feedback. Did they ever look confused? Did they ask for an explanation? Did their eyes glaze over? I pay attention to every little sign that they didn’t quite get it.

It’s a Journey, Not a Quick Fix

Learning to be simple in speechwriting isn’t an overnight thing; it’s like building a muscle. It takes consistent practice, really looking at your own work, and being humble enough to cut out the unnecessary. It means challenging what you think sounds “smart” and embracing the deep power of direct, clear communication. The greatest speakers throughout history—from Abraham Lincoln to Martin Luther King Jr., from Steve Jobs to Maya Angelou—all had one thing in common: they were totally committed to making their complex truths simple enough to move the world. Your voice, with this mastery, can do the same.