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The power of simple words - Terin Izil

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24,529 Questions Answered

TEDEd Animation

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Long, fancy words designed to show off your intelligence and vocabulary are all very well, but they aren't always the best words. In this short, playful video Terin Izil explains why simple, punchy language is often the clearest way to convey a message.

The author thinks that speakers and writers are “fighting for space in an attention span that continues to shrink across generations.” What does she mean by this, and do you think it’s true? If it is true, what’s driving it, and is it necessarily a bad thing? If it’s false, why do you think the author (and other people too) have this impression?

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About TED-Ed Animations

TED-Ed Animations feature the words and ideas of educators brought to life by professional animators. Are you an educator or animator interested in creating a TED-Ed Animation? Nominate yourself here »

Meet The Creators

  • Animator Sunni Brown
  • Educator Terin Izil
  • Narrator Terin Izil

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