Having a large vocabulary

Some people stare at me in bewilderment when I ask them something or relate something to them. I am usually at a loss for their lack of response for twelve nano-seconds until I realize I might have used a word or three that they did not know and were too embarrassed to ask.
If I do not know a word that is being used I do one of two things. I try to ascertain its meaning by the context of the sentence and if that fails, I ask. Someone once told me that big words are for small minds. While I do not necessarily believe that opinion, it does make me think.
Recently I was asked to write an important letter to an agency and I complied. Details are unimportant. What was interesting was the feedback. "Why did you use this word? What does this sentence mean?"
I know when writing or talking, you should try to cater to all of the segments of the populace but when I write or speak, I don't use words premeditated, they just flow on the paper or egress through my mouth.
Perhaps if people read more, did more crossword puzzles or if they came across a word they did not know, they would utilize the human language.
Maybe I am using my copious vocabulary now?

What A Day!

Hey to the people out there! When work calls, I respond. My vocation is somewhat unusual. I have written a brief overview on it. Click here if you are interested in reading about it.
Work took me to South West Indiana and the drive there and back was long. During the driving you get to know the other co-workers well. I have not met anyone (thus far) that I don't mind working with. Sometimes people with strong personalities can make for some interesting discourse. If you are interested in learning more about how to get along with co-workers go to ehow.com and find my article. It is called: "How to Deal with Conflict and its Resolution in the Workplace". (Little plugs now and then can't hurt.)
Isn't that a great forum for learning? In my opinion there are primarily two ways to garnish knowledge. One is through reading. No matter what the genre. People say you can't learn through reading fiction. I do not subscribe to that concept. I firmly believe you can learn. You can pick up new words to augment your vocabulary. Additionally, the author has to know something about his or her particular topic. The author may indicate that it is the work of fiction, but the idea behind it may have a subject worh exploring. They may site people who helped them in developing the book. People are usually well versed in the topic and some accolades are due.
The second way to extract information, and thus knowledge, is through people. No matter what the commonality, or lack thereof, you can glean data. The application of that collection of information is where true intelligence exists. The ability to extract information and utilize it in everyday life is a true example of intelligence. The topics discussed with people may sometimes seem inanne, but eventually it will come up in conversation.
Let me know what you think on this topic. Please leave a comment or email me.