When I run business writing workshops, I always find it fascinating how resistant people are to writing simply. So many have been taught – whether explicitly or through osmosis – to write in an unnecessarily formal and complex way.

I find it fascinating how many people seem to have this instinct to ‘dress up’ their writing when they’re in a professional context, as if simple, clear language somehow isn’t ‘businessy’ enough, or is unprofessional in some way.

There’s often a deeply ingrained belief that professionalism requires complexity. I think it stems partly from people wanting to demonstrate their expertise and authority through their writing.

What’s ironic, however, is that the most senior and confident business leaders often write the most simply. Warrant Buffett’s annual shareholder letter, anyone? Richard Branson’s blog posts? Key here, is that they don’t feel the need to prove their intelligence through complex language – they know their ideas will stand on their own merit.

In business writing, the goal isn’t to impress with sophisticated vocabulary or complex sentence structures – it’s to get your message across effectively so that your strategy, your business acumen, your ideas impress your colleagues or seniors. The way to do that, is to simply your language, so it doesn’t get in the way.

Write as if you’re explaining something to a colleague over coffee: direct, conversational and focused on what matters to your reader. And treat that colleague as though they’re clever – simple doesn’t mean dumbed down.

I see so many business documents weighed down by jargon, passive voice and roundabout expressions that obscure the main point. Instead of “A decision was made to implement cost reduction measures,” write, “We decided to cut costs.” Instead of “This initiative will facilitate enhanced cross-departmental collaboration,” write, “This project will help teams work together better.”

So, respect your reader’s time and intelligence. Next time you’re drafting an email, report, or proposal, resist the urge to dress it up. Instead, aim for simple, direct language that lets your ideas shine. Your readers – and your future self – will thank you.