Too Many Words? The Art of Saying Less and Meaning More

The Problem - Too Many Words, Too Little Impact

Everywhere you look—social media, blogs, TED Talks, and marketing slogans—people are screaming for attention. But with a million voices vying for the same limited space, how do you get noticed?

The answer: Say less, but mean more.

Words are like currency—use too many, and inflation kills their value. The great speakers and writers of history understood this. They mastered the economy of language, choosing words that struck deep and stayed lodged in the minds of their audience.

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The "Internet of Time" and Why Some Words Stick

Before the digital internet, there was the internet of time—a historical tournament where only the strongest phrases survived. Think of it like natural selection, but for language. Billions of words have been spoken, yet only a few have risen to legendary status.

• “Let there be light.” (Genesis 1:3)
• “We shall never surrender.” (Winston Churchill)
• “A house divided against itself cannot stand.” (Abraham Lincoln quoting the Bible)

These words didn’t just survive; they thrived. Why? Because they were simple, punchy, and built on a hidden rule of English composition that most people don’t even realize they use.

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English - A Frankenstein Language of Two Parents

English is not a purebred. It’s a mongrel, a linguistic Frankenstein stitched together from two wildly different sources: Saxon (Germanic) and Latinate (French & Latin).

This dual heritage has given English an extraordinary range, but also a built-in class system. Words that came from Saxon roots tend to be short, sharp, and visceral—the language of everyday life. Words from Latinate origins sound grander, more sophisticated, and often, more detached.

A Tale of Two Vocabularies

Imagine medieval England. The peasants speak Anglo-Saxon, using simple, sturdy words for daily survival. Meanwhile, the Norman aristocrats, fresh off their 1066 conquest, bring in fancy French and Latin words to sound important and cultured. Over time, the two languages mix, but the divide remains:

Saxon (Germanic) - Blunt, Raw, Everyday	Latinate (French/Latin) - Elegant, Formal, Bureaucratic
Make	Create
Get	Acquire
Eat	Consume
Buy	Purchase
Help	Assist
Ask	Inquire
End	Terminate
Begin	Commence
Lie	Prevaricate
Kill	Execute

The difference isn’t just about syllables—it’s about power dynamics.

• Saxon words are the language of action: punchy, urgent, raw.
• Latinate words are the language of status: formal, calculated, distant.

That’s why:
✅ A king dies. A monarch passes away.
✅ You tell the truth. A politician misrepresents the facts.
✅ A soldier fights. A military operative engages in hostilities.

The Power of Knowing the Difference

Great communicators instinctively know when to use which type of word.

• Want to sound strong and relatable? Use Saxon words.
  • "Get out." (vs. "Vacate the premises.")
  • "Help me!" (vs. "Provide assistance!")
  • "I'm tired." (vs. "I am experiencing fatigue.")
• Want to sound impressive, professional, or diplomatic? Use Latinate words.
  • "The organization will commence restructuring." (vs. "We’re starting over.")
  • "Your request has been denied." (vs. "No.")
  • "An investigation has been initiated." (vs. "We're looking into it.")

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Saxon vs. Latinate Words - The Secret to Memorable Speech

Every word you choose shapes how your message is received. If you want to sound strong and direct, lean on Saxon words—short, sharp, and to the point. If you want to sound sophisticated or authoritative, use Latinate words—longer, more abstract, and often more distant.

Great communicators instinctively know this difference and choose their words deliberately to control their impact.

🔹 The Power of Saxon Words: Strength in Simplicity

Saxon words hit hard because they are:
✔ Short (one or two syllables)
✔ Visceral (they create clear images)
✔ Timeless (used in speech for centuries)

Think about famous quotes that have stuck with us:

• “We shall never surrender.” (Winston Churchill)
• “Let there be light.” (The Bible)
• “A house divided against itself shall not stand.” (Abraham Lincoln, quoting the Bible)

Notice a pattern? All Saxon words.

These sentences don’t just communicate—they command. They don’t dance around the point; they land with impact.

🔹 The Role of Latinate Words: Prestige and Formality

Latinate words, by contrast, tend to be:
✔ Longer (three or more syllables)
✔ Abstract (less direct, more intellectual)
✔ Formal (often used in academia, law, and business)

If you want to sound impressive, diplomatic, or technical, Latinate words can help. That’s why politicians, corporate executives, and legal professionals often favor them.

Compare:

• “We will implement strategic optimizations to enhance performance.” (Latinate, formal, distant)
• “We will work harder to do better.” (Saxon, direct, strong)

Both sentences mean roughly the same thing, but the first sounds corporate, while the second sounds human.

🔹 Quick Test: Which Sentence Hits Harder?

💬 Option 1 (Latinate):
"Our team will endeavor to facilitate enhanced operational efficiency."

💬 Option 2 (Saxon):
"We will work to make things run better."

Which one sticks with you?

The second one, right? That’s because it’s simple, clear, and natural. The first one sounds like corporate jargon that might get ignored in an email.

🔹 The Winning Strategy: Balance & Contrast

To master speech and writing, don’t rely solely on one type of word. The best communicators use both—but strategically.

🔹 Use Saxon words for impact.

• Start and end with strong, short words.
• Use them to emphasize action and clarity.
• Keep key messages blunt and easy to understand.

🔹 Use Latinate words for setup.

• Add a touch of sophistication when needed.
• Use them in technical discussions or formal writing.
• Contrast them with Saxon words for a memorable punch.

✅ Example of Contrast for Effect:
"The company will implement strategic optimizations, but in the end, what matters is getting the job done."

👆 See how the first half (Latinate) sets up a formal tone, but the second half (Saxon) delivers the punch? That’s how you make words stick.

🔹 Choose Your Words Wisely

✔ Want to sound powerful? Go Saxon.
✔ Want to sound intellectual? Go Latinate.
✔ Want to be unforgettable? Mix both for contrast.

If you want to sound like a lawyer, a bureaucrat, or a corporate executive, drown your speech in Latinate words.

If you want to move people, stir emotions, and make your words stick, strip it down to Saxon words.

Whether you’re writing a speech, a headline, or an email, ditch the fluff and make your words count.

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Lessons from the Greats - The Bible, Churchill, and Beyond

The Bible (King James Version): Simplicity Equals Power

"And God said, Let there be light: and there was light." (Genesis 1:3)

This phrase is pure Saxon. One-syllable words. No fluff. It’s why this line, translated centuries ago, still carries weight today.

Now imagine if they had written:

"The Supreme Entity enacted the illumination process."

Yeah, no one’s quoting that.

Again:

"Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation, and every city or house divided against itself shall not stand."

• Brought to desolation (Latinate) – A formal, dramatic setup.
• Shall not stand (Saxon) – The unforgettable, powerful ending.

Winston Churchill: A Masterclass in Saxon Power

"We shall fight on the beaches, we shall fight on the landing grounds, we shall fight in the fields and in the streets, we shall fight in the hills; we shall never surrender."

• 32 Saxon words in a row.
• No Latinate fluff.
• Every word sharp, direct, and powerful.

Churchill wasn’t just a wartime leader; he was a linguistic surgeon, cutting out anything that dulled the impact of his message.

Contrast for Maximum Effect

Churchill also knew that contrast matters. Take his other famous quote:

"Never in the field of human conflict was so much owed by so many to so few."

• Human conflict (Latinate) sets the stage.
• Owed by so many to so few (pure Saxon) delivers the knockout punch.

It’s like a movie soundtrack. The tension builds with Latinate words, then Saxon words land the emotional impact.

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The Power of Simplicity in Modern Communication

In a world obsessed with sounding smart, people often use fancy words to appear more intelligent. But the irony?

The smarter you are, the simpler you speak.

Think of:

✅ Steve Jobs (“Simple is harder than complex.”)

✅ Elon Musk (“If something is important enough, you do it.”)

✅ Ernest Hemingway (who refused to use a word if a shorter one would do)

Meanwhile, politicians and corporations love hiding behind complex jargon to confuse or soften their message:

❌ “We are experiencing a transitional phase in our downsizing strategy.” (Translation: We’re firing people.)

❌ “Consumer engagement has necessitated a recalibration of our pricing model.” (Translation: We’re raising prices.)

See the problem?

If you want people to listen, be clear, be direct, be Saxon.

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The Saxon-Latinate Framework for Powerful Communication

Purpose:

This framework helps writers, speakers, and communicators choose the right words for maximum impact. By understanding the contrast between Saxon (Germanic) words and Latinate (French/Latin) words, you can control tone, clarity, and effectiveness in any form of communication.

🔹 Overview: Why Word Choice Matters

The English language is built from two major influences:

• Saxon (Germanic) words → Short, simple, strong.
• Latinate (French/Latin) words → Longer, formal, intellectual.

Your choice of words affects how people perceive your message. Use Saxon words for power and clarity; use Latinate words for polish and sophistication.

🔹 Framework Overview

Saxon Words (Germanic)	Latinate Words (French/Latin)
Short, simple, blunt	Long, complex, refined
Common, everyday speech	Formal, sophisticated tone
Emotional, direct, and visceral	Distant, intellectual, and bureaucratic
Used in speeches, slogans, and strong messages	Used in diplomacy, academia, and legal writing

🔹 The 3-Step Process to Choosing the Right Words

Step 1: Identify Your Purpose

Ask yourself: What do I want to achieve?

• Inspire, motivate, or persuade? → Use Saxon words for impact.
• Sound professional, technical, or intellectual? → Use Latinate words for credibility.
• Strike a balance? → Start with Latinate, end with Saxon (contrast for impact).

Step 2: Choose Your Word Type

Refer to the Word Choice Cheat Sheet below to select words that match your tone.

Example:

• Casual & relatable: "Let's get started."
• Formal & professional: "Let us commence operations."

Step 3: Use Contrast for Maximum Effect

Great writing and speaking mix Saxon and Latinate words for rhythm and emphasis.

Formula:

• Start fancy (Latinate) → End strong (Saxon).
  • "The investigation has been initiated, but we will find the truth."
  • "Our organization has implemented structural changes, and now it’s time to act."
• Keep key moments in Saxon.
  • "We shall fight on the beaches, we shall fight in the fields, we shall never surrender."
  • "A house divided against itself shall not stand."

🔹 Word Choice Cheat Sheet

Saxon Words (Use for Clarity & Power)

✅ Simple and direct
✅ Good for speeches, marketing, and clear writing
✅ Creates strong emotional impact

🔹 Quick-Reference Word Swap Chart

Saxon (Stronger, Clearer, More Emotional)	Latinate (Formal, Complex, More Distant)
Make	Create
Get	Acquire
Give	Provide
Help	Assist
Buy	Purchase
Start	Commence
End	Terminate
Ask	Inquire
Eat	Consume
Use	Utilize
Need	Require
Lie	Prevaricate
Think	Contemplate
Tell	Inform
Build	Construct
Begin	Initiate
Kill	Execute
See	Observe
Say	Articulate
Stop	Cease
Work	Operate
Show	Demonstrate
Change	Modify
Break	Fracture
Leave	Depart
Send	Transmit

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🔹 When to Use Saxon vs. Latinate Words

✅ Use Saxon Words When You Want To:

✔ Be clear and direct

✔ Sound strong, emotional, and impactful

✔ Appeal to everyday people

✔ Avoid corporate jargon and legalese

✔ Make messages easy to remember and repeat

🔹 Examples:

• "I need help." (vs. "Assistance is required.")
• "Let’s start now." (vs. "We shall commence immediately.")
• "Tell the truth." (vs. "Disclose factual information.")

✅ Use Latinate Words When You Want To:

✔ Sound formal, professional, or intellectual

✔ Impress an academic or business audience

✔ Add a sense of authority or prestige

✔ Soften harsh or blunt statements

✔ Sound more polished or refined

🔹 Examples:

• "Your request has been denied." (vs. "No.")
• "We are experiencing technical difficulties." (vs. "It’s broken.")
• "We will facilitate communication." (vs. "We’ll help you talk.")

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🔹 Writing & Speaking Strategy: How to Combine Both for Maximum Effect

1️⃣ The Power Move: Start Fancy, End Strong

Latinate words set up the argument → Saxon words land the punch.

✅ Example:

• "We have implemented strategic improvements, and now we get results."
• "Your request has been evaluated and carefully considered. The answer is no."

💡 Why it works: The contrast builds tension and makes the final words hit harder.

2️⃣ The Simplicity Rule: When in Doubt, Go Saxon

If your sentence feels too wordy or bureaucratic, swap in Saxon words.

❌ Too Complex (Latinate Overload):

"Our organization will endeavor to facilitate an optimized operational framework."

✅ Better (Balanced):

"We will work to improve how things run."

✅ Even Stronger (All Saxon):

"We will make things better."

💡 Why it works: The simpler the words, the easier they stick in memory.

3️⃣ The Rule of Contrast: Mix for Maximum Impact

When you need authority but also clarity, blend both styles.

✅ Example:

• "The government has engaged in disinformation. They lied."
• "Corporate restructuring is in progress. Jobs are being cut."
• "Negotiations have reached a final stage. This deal is done."

💡 Why it works: Start with Latinate for credibility, end with Saxon for impact.

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🔹 Real-World Applications: Where to Use Each Type of Word

📢 Public Speaking & Speeches

• Saxon: Get attention, sound powerful (“We shall never surrender.”)
• Latinate: Sound intelligent, build credibility (“The situation necessitates decisive action.”)

📈 Business & Marketing

• Saxon: Make things clear (“We help businesses grow.”)
• Latinate: Impress clients (“We facilitate organizational development.”)

📜 Legal & Academic Writing

• Saxon: Make key points stick (“The law says no.”)
• Latinate: Add formality (“The statute prohibits unauthorized actions.”)

📰 Journalism & Headlines

• Saxon: Create impact (“Stocks crash.”)
• Latinate: Add depth (“Financial markets experience volatility.”)

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🔹 Mastering Word Choice

✔ If you want power, go Saxon.

✔ If you want polish, go Latinate.

✔ If you want to be unforgettable, mix both.

When in doubt, simplify. The best communicators aren’t the ones who sound the smartest—they’re the ones who make sure everyone understands and remembers what they say.

✨ Pro Tip: When in doubt, simplify.

Great communicators don’t try to sound smart; they try to be understood.

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Final Takeaway - How to Make Your Words Count

Here’s how to write and speak like a pro:

✅ Prefer Saxon words – Make, get, kill, build, help.

✅ Use Latinate words sparingly – Only when you need formality or flair.

✅ Contrast them for impact – Start fancy, end strong.

✅ Repetition is your friend – “We shall fight… we shall fight… we shall fight.”

✅ Cut the fluff – Less is more.

The golden rule?

If a ten-year-old can understand it, it will be remembered. If it sounds like a corporate press release, it will be ignored.

Now, go forth and make your words count.