Power Words: Use Them to Strengthen Your Writing

By Elaine Sambugaro

Published November 2001

Power words are accurate

Power words get right down to the nitty-gritty. For example, rather than writing "Friendliness is the salesman's best asset," replace "friendliness" with "a smile". The new sentence with the power word would read, "A smile is a salesman's best asset." Friendliness conveys a series of things, including generosity, perhaps a twinkle in the salesman's eye or a free gift. But, a smile is a smile is a smile.

Because power words are perceived as dominant and commanding, it is important to understand when to use them effectively. Overkill – the use of a particular power word on several occasions (perhaps even in the same paragraph) – might be perceived as too aggressive. A caution to readers: there is a danger in using these types of words because a businessperson could be perceived as undiplomatic, aggressive or simply redundant if they are used excessively.

Power words are active words

A final point

Article sections:

Introduction
Power words are plain
Power words are active words
Power words are accurate
A final point

Most Visited Articles New Search Starting a Business in Canada Accounting 101: Balance Sheet Basics Choosing a Business Name All You Need to Know about Importing from the USA to Canada

Related Articles Sailing the Seven Cs of Effective Writing Key Questions to Ask Before Writing & Before Testing Advertising Copy Power Words: Use Them to Strengthen Your Writing Conquer the Fear of Public Speaking 11 Marketing Tips for Reviving Your Business

If you enjoyed this article, be sure to visit CanadaOne's current issue for more informative articles.

Author Information

Elaine Sambugaro is a staff writer with CanadaOne.Com.