A wife asked her husband for a mink coat. He replied, "Extenuating circumstances coerce me to preclude you from such a bauble of extravagance." She said, "I don’t get it!" He replied, "That’s what I said."

This scenario demonstrates how using complex words can result in no meaning, distorted meaning, wasted time, or distraction from the intended message. Using complex words usually slows understanding, and may even confuse the reader. See for yourself. Which words would you rather read in a message?

about	approximately
done	accomplished
improve	ameliorate
aware	cognizant
show	demonstrate
change	modification
publish	promulgate
chew	masticate

It is much better to express your thoughts than to attempt to impress your audience. If you find that you must use a specific word and you suspect that your audience might not know what it means, include a brief definition in parentheses immediately following it. For example: It is important to provide an ombudsman (an official representative to management) in high-profile organizations.