This resonates, Bernd. Early in my career, I used long, “polished” sentences to sound professional – and noticed people nodded but didn’t act.

Now, if a sentence needs a second thought, I simplify it.

Two practical habits that help:

• Replace one fancy verb per paragraph with a simple alternative.

• Read one key sentence aloud. If it trips you up, simplify it.

Simple language isn’t a loss of nuance. It’s a gain in influence.