Simplify Complex
Writing Using AI

Complexity is the enemy of engagement. Whether you are writing a technical manual, a legal brief, or just an email to your team, dense text pushes readers away.

The challenge is that when we are experts in a subject, we suffer from the "Curse of Knowledge." We forget that our audience doesn't know the jargon we use every day.

This is where AI shines. It can act as a universal translator, taking complex, specialized text and simplifying it into clear, plain English. Here is how to use AI to untangle your writing.

1. The "ELI5" Technique

"ELI5" stands for "Explain Like I'm 5." It’s one of the most effective ways to force simplicity. AI tools are excellent at this because they don't have an ego; they will strip away every unnecessary syllable until the core meaning remains.

2. Checking Your Readability Score

AI can analyze your text and assign it a grade level. For general audiences, you should aim for a Grade 8 reading level.

If your text scores a Grade 14 (University level), AI tools can highlight the specific sentences that are driving the score up—usually due to excessive length or multi-syllabic words.

3. Breaking Down "Wall of Text"

Sometimes complexity isn't about the words; it's about the format. A 10-line paragraph is intimidating.

AI can rewrite paragraphs into bullet points automatically. This breaks the visual density and allows the reader to scan the information quickly.

4. De-Jargoning

Jargon isolates readers who aren't "in the club." AI tools like VerbEdit allow you to specifically target and replace jargon with standard English equivalents.

Pro Tip: Use the "Simple" mode in VerbEdit. It aggressively targets words like "leverage," "synergy," and "paradigm" and swaps them for "use," "teamwork," and "model."

Conclusion

Simplicity is not about dumbing down your ideas; it is about opening them up to a wider audience. By using AI to check for readability and jargon, you ensure your writing makes an impact, not just noise.