Isn't he basically saying use your natural lexicon vs. an artificial one (typically used to make oneself sound more educated).
So should I write as I [find I need to] speak or should I write with my natural lexicon?
Know your audience.
"Dumb down" your writing, but only if it will help you communicate with the person (or people) you're targeting. Else there's no benefit to it.
The advantage of reading it out loud is (I'm guessing) that you process it with a different part of your brain. When you just read it, the words are your own and you don't process it the same way, whereas when you hear it the words in a sense sound external and it is easier to hear where it sounds awkward.