I understood it within minutes. Even though the topic was highly complex. Not because I’m especially intelligent. The reason lies elsewhere.
My cousin is an IT whiz. Networks and architecture that feel like a jungle to the rest of us, he untangles with ease. Complex systems become logical to him in no time. That alone is impressive. But he also has another gift.
When he explains something, it sounds as simple as ABC. No matter how technically demanding. I wish I had even half his talent.
The saying “If you can’t explain it simply, you don’t understand it well enough” exists for a reason. George Washington needed only 135 words to share his vision in his second inaugural speech.
Back in 1657, Blaise Pascal wrote in his Lettres Provinciales: “I made this letter longer than usual because I lacked the time to make it shorter.” But short doesn’t automatically mean good. If you doubt it, scroll through X and see how much nonsense can fit into 280 characters.
Some managers, colleagues, or speakers try to impress you with expert jargon, buzzwords, and corporate fluff. That’s a surefire way to fail. The point is not to show off, but to help others understand.
Clarity means strength. Practice leads you there. Few are born with my cousin’s gift. And just for the record, George Washington’s first inaugural speech? 1,419 words.
Warm regards,
Ralph Hubacher
