Comments on: “Research Proves Using Big Words Makes You Look Dumb”

By: Jim Pemberton

Jim Pemberton — Mon, 09 Sep 2013 18:31:57 +0000

1. If Albert Einstein is correct then most Christians would have to conclude that God doesn’t understand the trinity. We don’t expect toddlers to understand calculus. The simplicity of explanation is relative to the capability of the student.

2. There is a difference between attempting to appear intelligent by using terms that sound intelligent and actually commanding an exceptional vocabulary.

3. Vis #2, it’s likely that most people can viscerally sense the difference.

4. #3 aside, enough people cannot tell the difference such that using efficient terms effectively is not possible in most cases.

5. Therefore, while an exceptional vocabulary is helpful for understanding the publications of very intelligent and well-studied people, it’s value is mitigated by the necessity of garnering favor among average people.

By: Today in Blogworld 09.07.13 – Borrowed Light

Today in Blogworld 09.07.13 – Borrowed Light — Sat, 07 Sep 2013 14:14:27 +0000

[…] Research Proves Using Big Words Makes You Look Dumb […]

By: Bob Kellemen

Bob Kellemen — Sat, 31 Aug 2013 18:05:37 +0000

Jeff, The Puritan writers could have used some good Puritan editors. Bob

By: ScriptureZealot

ScriptureZealot — Fri, 30 Aug 2013 17:36:56 +0000

I always thought John Owen sounded kind of dumb.
Jeff

By: Bob Kellemen

Bob Kellemen — Fri, 30 Aug 2013 16:18:57 +0000

I loved their title and sub-title. Clearly illustrating what not to do (title) and what to do (sub-title). As a professor who grades scores and scores of graduate-papers, I’ve seen this, too. Often, the more wordy and flowery the student’s language, the less intelligible the paper. Of course, any of us in academia are guilty of this at times also…

By: Brian Borgman

Brian Borgman — Fri, 30 Aug 2013 13:07:40 +0000

OK, I guess I will risk a comment David! My first thought was, “I suppose there is a difference between someone with a legitimately broad vocabulary and one who is using big (almost said polysyllabic) words to appear intelligent.” I think simplicity in preaching does not necessarily exclude the explanation and use of some technical vocabulary.