Should I speak with my natural vocabulary or simplify to be considerate?

Question

Sometimes I know I do sound like I'm worried about what people see as normal but it just gets to me personally, and that's one of the major reasons I'm on GAG here, so I'm sorry if you find my topics like what "everyone should know" 😕 I'm here to learn how other people feel about certain things 🙏

I've always had a habit of using a broader vocabulary because it's just how I naturally express myself. The thing is, I often find myself simplifying or breaking down my words because I'm worried people might think I'm trying to sound smart or because they may not understand what I mean 😕

Do you think it's better to just speak naturally and use the words that come to you, or is it more considerate to simplify my language 🙏?

I'd really like to hear different perspectives because I'm not sure if I'm overthinking this.

sage2021 · Accepted Answer

I think that it would be better to simplify your vocabulary on this website.

If I am reading something that I don't know the meaning of, and it happens throughout the entire thing that I am reading, I lose interest in it very fast and stop reading it.

Who wants to have to keep Googling your words just to read your questions, opinions, and replies? Not me!

Advisor Smith · Accepted Answer

As someone who’s coached students and executives for 20+ years, I’d say: do both, intentionally.

Speak in the vocabulary that feels natural to you—that’s authentic, and it’s part of your voice. But read the room. If people look lost or you’re in a casual setting, briefly rephrase:

- “I’m ambivalent about it—kind of torn, honestly.”
- “That’s a very nuanced point—there’s a lot of layers to it.”

You’re not dumbing down; you’re being clear and kind. Authentic first, then considerate explanation when needed.

OneViewpoint · Answer

Are you overthinking it? That depends on you and how much you need other people to like you. I'm an introvert and one of the reasons is that I find it really tedious dumbing down my conversation so some people can keep up. So my alternatives are to restrict my interaction to mind numbing small talk about nothing or simply not engage. Most of the time I simply refuse to engage.

In the case of dumbing down your conversation, you have to read everyone in the group, then pause, calculate, and reformulate your words to have a broader impact with the slow people and do that over and over again while externally maintaining a normal conversational pace. And you may still have to repeat yourself or stop and explain constantly. It's exhausting.

valentina4eva · Answer

i think u should speak naturally & flex ur vocabulary!!😊💯 i dont agree in "dumbing things down" in this day and age with all the anti-intellectualism & anti-education in many countries currently!!😣😣

that being said, i do simplify my English all the time but this is because its many ppls 2nd or 3rd language where i live!!🤔😅

ohsheeT · Answer

You are who you are and there's nothing wrong with that so I would just be you

When first coming on Gag I use it as a indicator of where we are headed in the world

Because I'm always seeking knowledge on certain things

But if you can't be yourself then you're not going to get the answers that you need to understand whatever it is you're trying to understand I think

Whatever you do don't become like me I don't proofread I don't punctuate I just click Send LOL

But the people that understand what I'm asking or saying you can read right through it and that question or answer are for them

OlderAndWiser · Answer

The purpose of taking is to communicate your thoughts to others. A broader and more expansive vocabulary is very helpful sometimes. . . but only if your audience shares your vocabulary. If the targets of your communications are less educated and speak with simpler terms, then you should communicate with words which they will clearly understand.

But, under all circumstances, eschew prolixity!

HawkPerception · Answer

Generally when speaking to others, the less jargon, the better. It's why blogs are written in natural conversational language that resonate with most people.

However, I strongly believe if it's how you speak normally, then don't change a thing about it. Only dumb things down if someone specifically asks you to. Just be yourself.

And birds of a feather flock together, so when you speak in a certain way, it will attract people who "express" themselves similarly.

WhitneySnow · Answer

Speak the way you naturally speak. If people need you to clarify, they’ll ask.

DryGermanGuy · Answer

I refuse to dumb down my linguistic level. If people don't understand me, they can ask.

rojodefender · Answer

Speak how you want. /DO/ you feel better than others for having access to more words than they do? If so the answer isn't in dumbing yourself down, it's in revisiting how you think of others.

Staximus · Answer

Speak or write with the words that form in your brain

Billlewis · Answer

It depends on who you're talking to. I've seen women talk to two different people, back to back on the phone, but they'll use a completely different dialogue or accent for each person.

Twodogs0525 · Answer

I'm familiar with you and haven't noticed you writing over people's heads. Has someone said something?

Badtobad · Answer

Simplify, I sometimes get annoyed when people say stuff I don't understand

Iron_Man · Answer

Speak in the vocabulary that you feel more comfortable in expressing yourself. Mike Tyson the boxer used to try to do that. He’d look silly Trying to use big words.

Levin · Answer

Sod that. I'm as long-winded as humanly possible. Goes with my dry and sarcastic voice.

AngryCarl3 · Answer

Yes you're overthinking. Just say what you want to say. If they don't understand you can berate them for being illiterate.

AgentG111 · Answer

Speak how you want! To the hell with others! Life's short live it up!

Still-alive · Answer

Just be you. We could use people who make more use of more vocabulary really

Paige2006 · Answer

You wouldn't need to simplify it with me.

Bklynbadboy12 · Answer

Just speak how you normally speak. Its always good to be yourself

Angel1999_ · Answer

Do what come naturally to you.

dudeinohio · Answer

Be yourself. Talk natural

Should I speak with my natural vocabulary or simplify to be considerate?

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