Sometimes, it's better to sound less smart.

I know that you guys like to sound smart. You want to use your fabulous vocabulary to show off your knowledge and whatnot, but sometimes, using good vocabulary sounds robotic. If you are writing a news story, try to make it sound interesting. Write about "the people of Ivanchany" rather than "the inhabitants of Ivanchany." People is friendlier. I want to read about people. Reading about inhabitants is impersonal and boring. 

It's ok to be smart and to have great vocabulary, but when you write and when you talk to people (especially Americans), it's better to just be normal rather than to show off your awesome vocabulary skills.