Imagine a world where contracts don’t look like they need a magnifying glass, a dictionary, and your lawyer on speed dial just to make sense of them. Sound good? That's what we're talking about today—keeping it plain and simple.
Contracts Today:
Right now, contracts are like those old English texts we all dreaded in school—full of "heretofore"s and "notwithstanding any of the foregoing"s. These contracts are long, stuffed with tiny print, and basically a nightmare to get through. Why does it matter? Because nobody actually reads them!
The Cool Part About Plain English:
According to brainy folks like Steven Pinker, a Harvard professor who knows a ton about how we communicate, about 72% of us prefer things written simply. And why not? Life’s complicated enough. In his view, shared in The Chronicle of Higher Education and his book The Sense of Style, we should be aiming for the kind of English that everyone can get without breaking a sweat.
No Lawyer Needed:
Imagine sitting down at a café, sipping your coffee, and nodding along because, yes, you actually understand what that contract is saying. No lawyers whispering in your ear, no furrowed brows. Just you, the other person, and a good old-fashioned agreement you both get. This isn’t just a nice thought—companies like GE Aviation have been doing it, and guess what? Their contracts are getting signed faster, and everyone’s happier.
From Presidents to Paperwork:
Even the U.S. Presidents have been on board. Nixon, Carter, Clinton, Obama—they all said, “Let’s make this stuff easier to read!” So, this isn’t a new crazy idea. It’s been around, and it’s proven to work. Plain English saves time, cuts arguments, and keeps everyone on the same page.
Why This Matters:
Because life's too short to spend hours figuring out what you're actually agreeing to. It’s time for contracts that don’t make our heads spin. Contracts that let us move faster, work better, and fight less. Simple, right?
Let’s Do It:
So, next time you’re drafting or signing a contract, think about making it plain. Make it so straightforward that anyone can understand it—yes, even a kid. It’s not just about making life easier (though that’s a big part of it); it’s about making business friendlier, smarter, and a lot less stressful.
Conclusion:
Let's ditch the legal mumbo jumbo and keep things crystal clear. After all, a good contract is like a good conversation—it’s best when everyone understands what’s being said!
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