In the September ABA Journal, Jim McElhaney writes about cross examination. At one point he says “Stop trying to talk like lawyers.” He offers this list of words you use when you talk like a lawyer and a list of words to use instead. Link to article.

Instead of this > use this

prior, previously > before
subsequent > after
contact > talk to, call, see
state whether > tell us
did a time come when you > did you
were you aware that > did you know
relative to > about, concerning
maintain surveillance > watch
observe > see, hear
vehicle > car, truck
concede > admit
occur > happen
determine > find out
relate > tell us

Jim McElhaney, It’s All About You: Use Cross-Exam to get Their Witness to Agree to Your Version of the Case, ABA Journal 22, 23 (Sept. 2010).

I agree and would add, “Stop writing like lawyers.”

Apply his list not only when you talk but also when you write.