A frequent error among novice writers is the tendency to sound pretentious. This typically stems from excessive engagement with formal language in essays and textbooks, leading many to conclude that employing complex vocabulary is the only means of earning respect.

Unfortunately, this habit often bleeds into professional writing. The result? Emails, reports, and business documents that feel heavy, dull, and most importantly, inauthentic.

To combat this, writers should strive for authenticity by using simple, genuine language that resonates with readers. This approach not only fosters clear communication but also establishes a stronger connection with the audience based on sincerity and relatability.

Why Sincerity Matters

At its core, writing is about connection. And connection depends on trust. If your writing feels artificial or designed to impress, readers instinctively pull back. But when you write as if you mean what you say with integrity and sincerity, your message carries weight.

Consider how you communicate with friends and family. You wouldn’t tell your friend you’re going to “participate in a culinary engagement” when you really mean you’re just grabbing lunch. You wouldn’t ask your neighbor if they could “facilitate the activation of ambient lighting” when you just want them to turn the light on.

So why write differently at work?

If you choose fancy language, be clear about your motivation. Is it serving an artistic purpose? Is it the most precise word for your meaning? Or is it just vanity an attempt to appear smarter than you are? That distinction matters. Elite writers know that their job is not to show off but to communicate brilliantly.

The Problem with Pretension

I once received a business proposal that read like this:

"We would be delighted to engage in a mutually synergistic dialogue at a juncture of your convenience, with the intention of exploring potential avenues of collaboration that may yield significant value propositions for both organizations."

Does it sound polished? Maybe. But does it sound human? Not at all.

The intention was good, but the message got lost under layers of corporate jargon. Instead of coming across as professional, the writer sounded mechanical and insincere. A simple line such as “We’d love to set up a time to discuss how we can work together” would have been far more effective and far more genuine.

When you write to impress rather than to communicate, your message gets diluted. Worse, it can leave readers confused, frustrated, or even dismissive of your intent.

Expanding Vocabulary the Right Way

This doesn’t mean you should avoid powerful words. On the contrary, building a strong vocabulary helps you express ideas more precisely. But the key is using words with purpose, not decoration.

Reach for the thesaurus when the word you have doesn’t quite capture your meaning, not when you’re simply trying to “sound smart.” If your existing words already communicate well, trust them.

The Takeaway

Great writing is sincere writing. It’s clear, direct, and authentic. Readers don’t want to be dazzled by your vocabulary, they want to understand you.

So cut out the jargon. Skip the overblown phrasing. And write like you mean it. Because the true mark of a skilled writer isn’t how fancy they sound, it’s how deeply they connect.