"There are times when it is necessary to write simply"

Sometimes, you just need to keep things simple.

Imagine you're explaining a complex idea to a friend who doesn’t know much about the subject. You wouldn't dive into the nitty-gritty details right away, right? You’d probably start with the basics, making sure they get the gist of it before going deeper. That’s the heart of this thought. It’s about recognizing when a straightforward approach is best—when less truly is more.

Historically, this concept has been embraced by many great communicators. Think about Winston Churchill during World War II. His speeches are legendary, not just for their inspirational content, but for their clarity. He knew his country needed words they could grasp and rally behind, not flowery language that required a dictionary to decode. "We shall fight on the beaches"—simple, direct, powerful. That’s the kind of simplicity we’re talking about.

For a real-life application, let’s look at a modern example: Steve Jobs. When he introduced the iPhone, he didn’t bombard his audience with technical jargon. Instead, he focused on what the device could do for them in clear, simple terms. He showed them how they could use it in their daily lives. By keeping his message simple, Jobs made the iPhone accessible to everyone, not just tech enthusiasts. That clarity was a huge part of its success.

So how can you use this wisdom? Start by identifying your audience. What do they need to understand? What’s their level of knowledge on the topic? Tailor your message to meet them where they're at. Don’t overcomplicate things with unnecessary details. Focus on the key points you want to convey. Use plain language and real-world examples to drive your message home.

Imagine you’re at a family dinner and your aunt, who's not tech-savvy, asks you about your job in IT. If you start talking about network protocols and server maintenance, she’ll probably tune out. But if you say, “I make sure the company’s computers run smoothly so everyone can do their jobs,” she’ll get it. You’ve communicated the essence of what you do in a way that’s easy to understand.

A perfect scenario to illustrate this concept happened to me recently. I was helping a friend move. We had a huge couch that needed to go through a narrow doorway. There were complicated ways to approach it—angles, rotations, disassembly—but in the end, the simplest solution was the best. We turned it on its side and slid it right through.

Just like with that couch, sometimes in communication, the simplest approach gets the job done the best. When you find yourself facing a complex topic or problem, take a step back. Think about the most direct way to convey your message or solve your issue. Remember, simplicity isn’t about dumbing things down; it’s about making them accessible and understandable. And that’s something we all can appreciate.