Write to Enlighten, Not Intimidate
Don't Make Your Readers Feel Dumb
Here’s a piece of advice I shared with a friend reading his essay.
He said he found it useful. I believe you’ll too.
Hey J,
Thanks for sharing your essay. I read it, and it’s pretty good. It’s well-written, well-researched, and neatly presented.
I got a piece of advice for you that might be helpful.
While your essay is informative, it sometimes feels like it’s more about showcasing your intelligence than helping me/ your reader feel smarter. Instead of making your point clear, it can come across as showing how much you know.
The goal of an essay isn’t to show off how smart you are—it’s to leave your reader feeling smarter after they’ve read it.
I understand the temptation to prove your intelligence—maybe to your teachers, your boss, or your peers and friends.
But I think that’s a bit self-serving.
You’re not doing justice to your reader—who is here to:
hear from you,
learn from you, and
feel a little smarter reading your essay.
This is why when you read a truly great piece of writing, the author almost becomes invisible. They may even use self-deprecating humor to downplay their intelligence. They remain intentionally humble, inviting you to enjoy their writing without making it about them. They want you to feel smart, and you perceiving them as smart is just a byproduct of their writing style.
So, next time you write, maybe you can keep these things in mind:
Don’t talk down to your readers.
Don’t underestimate their intelligence.
Don’t use jargon or fancy words to sound “smart.”
Instead, speak to them like a friend—an equal. Share your knowledge without making it feel like a lecture. Keep it clear, humble, and simple. This helps them feel smarter without needing big words or complex phrasing.
And most of all, don’t point out what they don’t know. That’s why they’re here—to learn from you.
Thanks,
Sathya
I hope you find this perspective helpful. Give it a try next time you write—I'm sure you'll see the difference!
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