However, simple words do not mean a simple mind. Many adults have mature, complex thoughts. But those thoughts come out garbled and too simple because of a small vocabulary. They have no choice but to use the same words to express too many different kinds of thoughts. Result: poor communication. As Mark Twain put it, the difference between the right word and the almost right word is the difference between the lightning bug and the lightning. These adults with small vocabularies just cannot express fine shades of meaning. They may have, however, as much depth and insight as their more well-spoken friends.
Don’t bother explaining that half the staff is out with the flu. Well-intentioned though they may be,
such explanations usually add to the complainer’s anger because they come across as excuses.
Avoid explaining in detail what went wrong. Instead, agree, apologize and then move on to what can
be done about it. Simply say: “You’re right. I’m sorry you haven’t received it yet. If I can have your
name and address again, I’ll personally put it in the mail to you today.”