What if credibility does not come from sounding like an expert? What if it comes from being understood? That is the question at the heart of this week's conversation and for legal professionals trained to believe that complexity signals expertise, it may be the most important question to sit with.

Susan Guthrie is joined by Lee Shainis, founder of Simplify Language, who has trained hundreds of organizations nationwide to make their written and spoken communication clearer, more efficient, and more inclusive. Lee brings a grounding reminder that simplifying communication is not dumbing it down. It is tightening it up, editing, sharpening, and making space for the people across from you to actually follow along.

Together, Susan and Lee explore the hidden costs of complex language, why most people will never tell you when they are confused, and how small, intentional shifts in clarity can strengthen trust, influence, and authority.

What You’ll Learn:

Why complexity can actually work against your credibility

How institutional language creates distance, even when you do not mean it to

Why most people will never tell you when they are confused, and how to make it easier for them

Why knowing your audience is always step one, before you write a word or say a thing

How to use AI to simplify your communication without losing your voice

Join Us at the ABA Section of Dispute Resolution Skills Summit
Lee Shainis is the featured presenter on day two of the ABA Section of Dispute Resolution Skills Summit this April. He will be diving deep into practical tools for simplifying communication, elevating your public speaking, and strengthening your facilitation skills. It is a two-day virtual program, so you can attend from anywhere.

Register at https://events.americanbar.org/event/b68303d1-af4a-495c-abc3-a67a5bd67a9b/summary

Guest

Lee is founder of Simplify Language, providing training to make written and spoken communication more concise, understandable, readable, and efficient for all audiences.

Since 2023 he has led hundreds of custom trainings nationwide for educational institutions, government agencies, nonprofits, and others.

Lee co-founded the nonprofit lntercambio Uniting Communities in 2000 and was the CEO for 20 years. During his leadership, lntercambio connected 10,000 adult immigrants with 5,000 volunteer English teachers in Boulder County and established a national network of several hundred organizations. lntercambio continues to thrive and in 2024 received $2M from the MacKenzie Scott Foundation.

Connect with Lee

Website: simplifylanguage.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lee-shainis

Resources Mentioned:

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Grab the full bundle at https://bit.ly/Three-Books

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Meet Our Creator and Host: Susan Guthrie

Susan E. Guthrie is one of the most respected voices in mediation and conflict resolution today. A nationally recognized family law attorney and mediator for 35 years, she is now a top professional coach and consultant helping dispute resolution and legal professionals build thriving, modern practices.

Susan recently appeared on The Oprah Daily Podcast, expanding her reach to an even broader audience and highlighting her role as a trusted expert in divorce, communication, and modern conflict resolution. She is also the creator and host of The Divorce & Beyond Podcast, ranked in the top 1% worldwide, with millions of listeners and a global following.

As Immediate Past Chair of the American Bar Association Section of Dispute Resolution, Susan continues to shape the future of the profession while training and mentoring practitioners around the world.

Connect with Susan E. Guthrie

Website: https://susaneguthrie.com

Books: https://susaneguthrie.com/susans-books

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/susaneguthrie

Instagram: @susaneguthrie and @practiceplaybookpodcast