Concrete Language
Use specific, sensory words that people can picture.
What & why
Concrete, sensory language is easier to remember than abstract wording, an effect researchers call the concreteness effect. Dual-coding theory suggests concrete words are stored both verbally and as mental imagery, giving listeners two routes to recall and a clearer picture to hold onto. Specific numbers, names, and sensory details give the audience something vivid to latch onto rather than a vague idea that fades.
Before & after
“Engagement is down.”
“Daily comments fell from 120 to 60 in two weeks.”
When you’ll use it
Simplifying dense product updates for cross-functional teams
Editing executive summaries for plain, direct language
Translating technical research into accessible talking points
Pro tip
Replace abstractions with numbers, examples, or visuals.
Questions & answers
What is concrete language in business communication?
How does concrete language improve business presentations?
What's the difference between concrete and abstract language?
Learn more
Practice this concept
Practice speaking concretely
Record an answer and review the weak words and hedging in your transcript. A clearer rewrite gives you a more concrete version to rehearse.