Write shorter sentences
In anything you write, keep it short. Get to the point quickly and concisely. Never use long explanations. You can explain almost all concepts in 3 to 5 sentences.
Also, people will always notice when you’re dragging things out. These days short copy is king. This 250-word blog post is a decent example and practices keeping it short and dumb.
No jargon and no fancy words
We all hate jargon and fancy words that have no use. You might think they make you look smart, but it’s very distracting. You use insider terminology to make yourself feel good as an insider, but it’s stupid. People will feel less around you, which makes them like you less.
You want people to like you, so let go of the jargon, and people will like you again (that’s a joke). You need to be nicer if you want people to like you but still quit the jargon.
Ask stupid questions
No one understands what’s going on in general. Everyone thinks they know, but no one knows for real. So everyone keeps their head down not to look stupid. This behaviour is silly and based on fear.
Try to be fearless and ask the questions on everyone’s mind. Then, people will praise you for it. Never apologize for asking a question too. You’re doing everyone a favour by asking a question since most people have the same questions.
In the end, you will look brave and not stupid.
Three bonus tidbits:
• Speak slower so that everyone can understand you better and they will think you’re brighter (research shows)
• Use fewer and simpler words when you speak to be more concise, and people will actually be easily convinced.
• Always take 2 seconds before you answer. It will look like you’ve thought about what you wanted to say, resulting in being taken more seriously.