Stop Trying to Sound Smart at Work: 8 Times It Can Backfire on You

If you’ve spent any time playing video games online, you might be familiar with the term “try hard.” In short, it’s someone who puts too much effort into something, especially when they lack the skills to actually achieve their goals.

In the professional (or at least non-gaming) world, that might be someone who overcomplicates things with jargon or acts like using words with the largest possible number of letters, which makes them appear intelligent. But that can backfire in major ways, including ones that hamper your ability to set yourself up for retirement.

Here are eight reasons to stop trying to sound smart at work.

This might sound obvious, but the more complex your communication is, the longer it takes coworkers to read and process. “Your brain is a ruthlessly efficient librarian. It doesn't file away information based on how impressive it sounds. It catalogs based on utility,” as Scott Clary said on his podcast.

Clear communication fosters a more efficient workflow, allowing teams to focus on solving problems and making decisions faster. When ideas are conveyed clearly, misunderstandings are minimized, collaboration improves, and productivity increases.

Leaders and decision-makers prioritize clarity because it drives better understanding and, crucially, results.

Effective communicators who can present ideas clearly and concisely are more likely to earn trust, take on leadership roles, and be chosen for high-impact projects. Eliminating unnecessary complexity shows confidence, expertise, and the ability to inspire action, which can make them strong candidates for promotions.

Clear communication creates an inclusive environment where everyone feels heard and valued.

Expressing ideas in a straightforward and accessible way encourages open collaboration and ensures that all team members can contribute effectively. It reduces the risk of misunderstandings, builds stronger connections among colleagues, and promotes a culture of mutual respect. This, in turn, enhances teamwork and drives overall success within the organization.

It’s best to be simple and straightforward. Doing so promotes transparency and helps establish trust by showing that you value transparent and honest communication.

If you rely on jargon or overly complex terms, you might create confusion and seem evasive, insecure, or even unapproachable. Communicating clearly demonstrates confidence, respect for your audience, and a genuine commitment to fostering understanding and collaboration, strengthening relationships and credibility.

“Studies from Princeton’s psychology department show that complex writing is often perceived as a sign of poor confidence or unclear thinking,” Clary said. “So the more jargon you use, the more people suspect you're hiding something.”

Simple messages and communications are easier to remember.

Keeping things simple ensures that your key points resonate with colleagues and decision-makers. Simplicity enhances understanding and demonstrates respect for others' time (as it is, 11 hours a week are spent on work emails), making your contributions more impactful and your voice more valued.

To quote Clary, confusing emails lead to people going “back to their desks, their tasks at hand, and they (do) absolutely nothing. Why? Because no one had any idea what they were supposed to do.” Furthermore, “clear communication can reduce follow-up questions by 73%,” he adds.

The ability to break down complex concepts into simpler terms deepens your understanding and makes communicating effectively with diverse audiences easier. By presenting ideas in a clear and accessible way, you can tailor your explanations to fit different levels of expertise.

This adaptability fosters better engagement, ensures everyone is on the same page, and positions you as a thoughtful and skilled communicator.

There’s a difference between knowing big words and getting your ideas across.

If you can maintain consistent, concise communication, you’ll stand out for your ability to deliver value through clear and impactful communication instead of a robust vocabulary. By making your ideas accessible and actionable, you can earn respect as someone who prioritizes results and fosters understanding. This approach strengthens your professional reputation and ensures your contributions are recognized for their substance, not just their style.

As Clary states, “Will you try to sound smart today or will you choose to be useful?”

Simplifying your communication efforts doesn’t just benefit you; it can also help the company's culture.

Workplace culture and communication are interconnected. Clear and effective communication fosters a more productive, inclusive, and satisfying work environment. Similarly, the way teams communicate reflects the health of the workplace culture.

Conversely, a supportive culture can shape how employees convey company values. Together, they create a cycle in which strong communication and a positive culture reinforce one another, driving overall success.

According to the Society for Human Resource Management, companies lose more than $62 million a year because of communication issues between employees. And if you’re bleeding that much cash, it might be time to look for side hustles.

Joking aside, straightforward, clear communication isn’t just good for a business’s bottom line but also for employees. Be concise and clear. Brevity, as William Shakespeare wrote, is the soul of wit.

And for the record: The longest word in this article is, perhaps ironically, “misunderstandings.”