Skip to main content

The power of simple words - Terin Izil

549,338 Views

24,679 Questions Answered

TEDEd Animation

Let’s Begin…

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?

Sign in to answer question

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

More from The Writer's Workshop