Here's Why Steve Jobs, Elon Musk and Richard Branson Said You Should Never 'Sound Too Smart'
What do Steve Jobs, Elon Musk, and Richard Branson all have in common? (No, it's not just their fame or fortune.) They all use "third-grade language" to explain their ideas. Why? Because the only way your words will make an impression is if everyone understands them.
But it's not easy making things simple, especially when your first thought is that you need to "sound smart" so people will respect your authority. However, simpler is always better, and here are a few ways Steve Jobs, Elon Musk, and Richard Branson have ensured their companies follow this rule.
Apple only uses short sentences
Steve Jobs made a point of making all of his presentations simply worded and easy to process. Sentences were short and there was no jargon in sight.
Think back to Apple's 1997 Think Different campaign. It began with: "Here's to the crazy ones. The misfits. The rebels. The trouble-makers. The round pegs in the square holes." Then it ended with: "Because the people who are crazy enough to think they can change the world, are the ones who do."
Inspiring, right? It certainly was back in '97, and the simplicity of the message is a clear reason why. Make sure any important messages you're sending out use short and simple sentences too.
Elon Musk tells workers to cut out "nonsense words"
Apple isn't the only one who strongly believes in the power of simplicity. Elon Musk sent a company-wide email to his Tesla employees, where he told them to cut the jargon and "nonsense words" when describing the company's software and processes. He wrote, "We don't want people to have to memorize a glossary just to function at Tesla."
In the same way, people shouldn't have to Google every other word to fully understand your ideas either. If you're an entrepreneur with a website, check your pages for any industry-specific words that the average person may not understand. It'll make a huge difference.
Richard Branson says not to "be the fool"
On his Twitter, Branson writes, "Complexity is your enemy. Any fool can make something complicated. It is hard to make something simple."
Since Branson struggled with dyslexia growing up, he's always seen the need for communications to be as streamlined as possible. At Virgin, he ensures this is the norm among his employees, marketing, and even when building products.
In another blog post about building affordable rockets, Branson adds, "Simplicity is a great way to build something that works well without costing too much."
What this means for you
Explaining something simply is much harder to do than it sounds and can take some getting used to.
Sometimes it can feel like trying to explain what music sounds like or the taste of snow. But it can be done, and it'll be worth it when you realize that your words left an impact because everyone understood them perfectly.
So whenever you're about to give your next pitch or tell a friend what your latest big idea is all about, remember these words by Steve Jobs:
Simple can be harder than complex: You have to work hard to get your thinking clean to make it simple. But it’s worth it in the end because once you get there, you can move mountains.
Military Dad Defends His 4 Little Daughters When Strangers Make This Rude Remark
Military Dad of 4 Daughters Defends His Girls When Strangers Make This Rude Remark
Austin von Letkemann is the military officer strangers feel "sorry" for — and the reason is infuriating.
Whenever the devoted father leaves the house with his four children, strangers can't help but notice the officer in uniform is holding hands with 4 adorable little girls. They will tell the traditionally "masculine" and "all American" dad they feel sorry for him, because he has no sons. This dad makes one thing very clear: They are his daughters, they aren't a burden.
In a passionate video, von Letkemann took to Instagram to share with his followers that the only thing that's "difficult" about being a girl dad — is clapping back to these sexist remarks over and over again.
They Mock His Daughters To Their Face
When strangers approach Austin von Letkemann and his four daughters, they don't always realize that their comments are being overheard. They seem oblivious to the fact that his girls understand every word. Von Letkemann describes how people will approach him and, without thinking, make remarks like "I'm sorry" or even joke about his lack of sons. What they don't realize is that these comments, intended to be light-hearted or humorous, can be deeply hurtful to his daughters. These strangers are not just disrespecting von Letkemann's choices as a father; they're also sending a message to his daughters that their presence is something to be pitied. It’s a message that von Letkemann won't stand for, and he's speaking out to defend his girls from these insensitive remarksSaying "Get Your Shotgun" Isn't Funny — It's Sexist
Another common comment that Austin von Letkemann encounters is the old "better get your shotgun ready" trope, often delivered with a smirk or a wink. This line is typically intended to suggest that a father with daughters should be on high alert to protect them from potential "suitors," implying that they are objects to be guarded rather than individuals with agency.
Von Letkemann finds this line of thinking outdated and sexist. In his viral Instagram video, he points out that these jokes are not just stale — they're damaging.
By suggesting that his daughters require armed protection, the joke reinforces the idea that women are inherently vulnerable and need to be shielded from men. Von Letkemann argues that instead of promoting this narrative, society should focus on teaching respect and consent, challenging these sexist tropes at their source.
Watch Austin von Letkemann's Video:
"If I Had A Fifth Child, I'd HOPE It Was A Girl" — One Dad's Message For Other Parents
Despite the constant remarks about his lack of sons, Austin von Letkemann is clear: He wouldn't trade his daughters for anything.
In fact, he told his Instagram followers that if he were to have a fifth child, he would hope for another girl. This declaration isn't just about doubling down on his pride in his family — it's a pointed response to those who see fathering daughters as a misfortune.
Von Letkemann's stance is a powerful one, rejecting the notion that a family is incomplete without sons. He encourages others to question the assumptions behind these comments and to appreciate the joy and fulfillment that his daughters bring. By sharing his story, von Letkemann hopes to create a more inclusive perspective on fatherhood, one that values daughters just as much as sons.