Well, this is my last post of the year! Yes, this is even the last day of the year, isn’t it? It’s been a fantastic blogging year for me and I’ve met the best people online I could have every dream this year 2012.
I’m not kidding. I really, really appreciate you guys and you mean a lot to me. I’ve learned from you, I’ve laughed with you and it can only get better in 2013!
On this last post of the year I wanted to try to write something a bit fun, a bit light, a bit unusual… a bit all that! I wanted to write about the power of words, since all we do all week long is putting words on our blank digital pages or even in our videos.
Words Have Powerful Meanings
Words have powerful meanings, indeed. They can make someone laugh, they can make someone cry, they can make some angry, mad, anxious, happy, doubtful, etc.
Words can also convey feelings as we read or hear them. For us bloggers, depending on our choice of words we can make someone want to read what we write or want to go away and click out from our post in an instant. It really all depends on your choice of words.
It’s also interesting to know that some words have the power of pull people while others don’t. Some words smooth things out while others don’t. So, would you like to know more about such words? If yes, keep reading.
Use Soft Words Versus Hard Words
For example, in most languages the words mom and dad is used versus the words mother and father if the person wants to convey a softer and nicer feeling.
At least, I know for sure that in English, French and Spanish, if I say how is your mom doing? I sound softer and friendlier to the person I’m speaking to than if I say, how is your mother doing? That’s why, subconsciously, most people would use the word “mom” in such case.
When we speak to children we often use soft words such as honey, sweety, bunny, and more. The French language has a whole menagerie of such words that we use even on children we don’t know, if we happen to speak to them. We use them because they are soft words that appeal and reassure children. To this day, I remember who used such words with me when I was little in my family and neighborhood. Those words are important and they are powerful.
Use Words that are Proven to Sell
Advertisers, publicists and even Internet marketers know very well that there are words that sell while others don’t. Here are some words that are proven to sell…
- Easy
- Guaranteed
- Discover
- Free
- Quickly
- Money
- Safe
- Health
- Benefit
- Results
- Fun
- Proven
- Yes
- You
Those are just a few of them, but there are known words that sell because they represent something pleasant, good, and that we like and want.
The word YOU is said to be the most powerful word in the English language. This is the reason why when you are writing a post or article you should always use the word “you”.
Do you want proof?
If I’d said, “this is the reason why when we are writing a post or article we should always use the word “you”. Would that appeal to you much?
Well, maybe, maybe not, but I wouldn’t take chances, because I know that if I use the word “you” it will speak much better to YOU!
When I’m using the word “you”, I’m talking to you. No one else. And no one cares that you address anyone else but them. I want you to speak to “me” when I read your post, therefore, use the word YOU!
Avoid Using Words that don’t Sell
On the other hand, you have the words that don’t sell. Rather, such words repulse the potential buyer because they represent effort, difficulty and what we don’t like and don’t want. Some of them are…
- Difficult
- Obligation
- Buy
- Sell
- Decision
- Cost
- Hard
- Contract
- Liability
- Depending
- Pay
If you are a blogger, an article marketer, or anything online, you would be better off not to use such words very often. The less you use them, the better.
Let’s take the word decision for example. Why is the word “decision” a negative word in people’s brain? It’s because the word decision involves dilemma, efforts, having to choose, having to think hard, and being pressured in some way. This is all bad stuff that no one wants to deal with. If not consciously, certainly subconsciously.
This is why such a seemingly innocent word such as “decision” carries with it lots of negative feelings that don’t attract but repulse a potential buyer. Stay away from such word in your ads and other promotional items.
Now, you may say why the word buy is a negative word, when people like to buy? Well, yes, people may like to buy, but they don’t like to be sold, and when you are using the word “buy” you are basically selling them. Do not tell people to “buy”, but rather, tell them how good your product will make them feel.
Translate Good Feelings with your Words
Yes, words are powerful and the choice of words you are making can make a great deal of difference. As a freelance writer I am always aware and conscious of that, because my articles have to sold my clients and I’d better know what words makes “them” look best in an article they paid me for.
While words can translate good feelings they can also translate no feelings or negative feelings. It’s all in your choice of words.
When I was a teenager I use to rewrite my mom’s post cards all the time because I thought she wrote so plain and boring. Since she knew that, she would always write a sentence or two and ask me to make it “sound better”; which I did, just by using more interesting and appealing words.
No matter what you’re into you can use such tips in your everyday life, even if you don’t write. You can be more careful about the words that you choose to speak to your boss, your clients, your customers, your wife, or your husband. You might not be aware of it, but no matter what we do we are selling or promoting something (yes, I used we in purpose here).
Each time you speak to your boss you’re selling him or her how good of an employee you are. Each time you are speaking to your spouse, you are promoting peace an agreement as much as possible (unless you want to help grow the divorce rate list). When you speak to your clients/customers you want them to like you and come back to your store, blog, site… You are selling them as you’re saying “hello”.
When you talk to those people, make sure you remember the power of words and choose them as carefully as possible. If you do, you will get better results.
Whether we write them or speak them, words are powerful and we must choose the ones that works best for us.
So, your turn now. Do you know about attractive words that have worked for you? What do you have to say about words?
Very Happy New Year to all of you!
Hi Sylviane,
As I feel, Words have been always the alley for me 😉 Obviously, for anyone, not write but love to write. I just like words and more softy more better 😉
You’re very true about the POWER of words. I remember once I read an letter written by a friend to a lecturer. The intention was pure, but choice of words were so bad. Had to rewrite 🙂 Like you rewrite your mom’s, I used to rewrite or write official letters of my friends all the time. Well, some love letters of ’em too 😉
Anyway I don’t like the fact that people are just using for selling, without caring as they mean 🙂 Nowdays we always see such words, but have to be careful in taking decisions, no? For me, I do careful more when I hear those words when it comes to selling, ’cause they all are using same set of words and hard to find what works as they claims.
Owkies… Wishing you to have a Happy, Healthy, Wealthy and Successful NEW YEAR Sylviane 🙂
See you in 2013 😉
Cheers…
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Hi Mayura,
As always and for the last time this year, thank you so much for coming by and giving your thoughts.
Choice of words is very important, indeed, and while you don’t want to use them for anything negative, if we want to be able to sell it’s better to use the ones that work, unless we want to fail. Now, this said we should not abuse them with a negative or bad purpose.
Have a Happy New Year, Mayura!
dear Sylviane,
Great post! Words and letters convey feelings and meaning. It is interesting, when we link emotions directly to the letters and words, our minds will cause words to appear in the right sequence and combinations. This way the reader can feel the soul of the writer. When we know the right words to use, the process of reading becomes effortless. The benefits are priceless.
Have a Happy New Year!
Margarita invites you to read..From New Year’s Resolutions To Real Results
Hello Margarita,
Thank you for putting it so well and so beautifully. When we use the right words and the words that come from the heart, the reader can feel that. That’s so true.
Thank you for coming, and have a fantastic New Year, Margarita!
Hi Syvianne,
Good thoughts about the power of words.
I am learning and this blog post was helpful. I was especially surprised by the word decision and how that affects people in a negative way….scratch it!
Hope you and your family have a wonderful New Years Eve and Day!
Here’s to more success in 2013
Tonya
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Hi Tonya,
I had a really good time learning about the words that are “good” and those which are not so good to use as we write and try to promote our business online.
Yes, believe it or not “decision” is not a good word to use according to the experts, but after learning this, I thought it made sense.
You and your family also have a very Happy New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day!
I totally agree that even the smallest words can have a huge impact. I’ve read a lot about how even the word “subscribe” on your blog can be a negative! “Join” is another one people don’t like, such as “join our mailing list”. It’s funny, but those words bring up commitment in our mind and we hesitate. That’s why you see so many buttons that say “get it now” or “free book” or whatever. Even on your blog, you have “free access”!
I also agree on using “you”. I struggled with that early on. I wrote a lot in the third person, words like “we”, keeping things general. It felt awkward and I started to wonder, who am I writing to?? When I switched to “you” and first person, it was much more conversational. And people do respond to that much better.
I laughed reading about how you used to change your mother’s writing. I hear that sometimes too. “Make it sound better”. That’s the writer in you! You have a natural talent for finding interesting words. It’s not so easy for some people. In fact, it’s not easy for a LOT of people. Good thing they’ve got writers around like you to “make it interesting” 🙂
Words are really all we have online – nobody can see our faces (mostly, unless we’re doing a video), nobody can read our body language or hear the tone of our voice. So that’s why we need to pick out the best words possible and convey what we mean and what we want.
Here’s a a whole year of awesome words ahead. Happy New Year, and I’m looking forward to more great words!
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Hi Carol,
Yes, yes, you’re right. It’s not on my list, but the word “subscribe” is also a no no, that’s why I have “free access” which are two good words that people’s brain like 🙂
That’s so important, but many people don’t know that. Thanks for adding this to the plate.
As much as my mother was a grammar book personified since she was just a child. Like a A+ students her whole school life, she was not necessarily good with words, so when I was old enough she would use my skills that way.
The use of “you” is really a must. I bet your blog posts became much more popular when you started using “you” which you do very, very well now 🙂
Happy New Year to you, Carol!
Isn’t it great how many amazing people you can meet online from the blogging network!? I love it! I come across some brilliant people with creative ideas =)
I hope you have a wonderful New Year!
Hi Carrie and welcome here!
Nice meeting you and hope to see you here again soon.
Happy New Year to you!
Hi Sylviane,
So true! Words are powerful and we need to think before we say or write them. Words reflect feelings too. I like the way you explained soft words vs hard words. Sometimes one word can cause a dispute!
I also like the words that are proven to sell and the ones that don’t. It is funny because I’ve seen some sales pages that use those “don'” words and I just shake my head.
Most of all, I need to bear in mind to write more with the word You! I often forget and write in the first person. That can be good if using it as an analogy, but not as effective as using “you.”
I appreciated your tips on words because you are a professional writer and I am learning so much from you.
Have a blessed New Year,
Donna
Donna Merrill invites you to read..Blog Review Of 2012
Hi Donna,
Yes, you’re right I see sales pages using some of those no no words and as Carol mentioned above, I also see a lot of “subscribe” which is not on my list but one of those words that people’s brain do not like.
by using the word “you” you can really connect more with the reader and they love it.
You know a lot of this is totally subconscious, but that’s why it’s so powerful!
Have a fantastic and prosperous New Year!
Oh girl, you hit this one on the head. Words are powerful!
It’s funny but I never really paid that much attention to words until I started blogging. I learned a lot about what will lure people in and what won’t. I remember being given a list about three years ago with the most powerful words. I was kind of surprised by some of them but not by others.
Now I’m no copywriter but I have been able to learn how to speak to my audience so that they will feel like I’m speaking just to them. You are so right about including the word “you” in your sentences too. That’s what helps make that connection.
I use to correct my friend’s writing and she use to get so mad at me. Hey, that was a reflection on her so if she really wanted it to go out that way she would never have asked me to look it over for her. I had to laugh when you said you did that to your Mom.
Thanks for sharing this with us as your last post of the year Sylviane. Here is wishing you a Very Happy New Year!
~Adrienne
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Hi Adrienne,
Yes, that’s true. When we are not writing for “a leaving” so to speak, we don’t even pay attention to words. However, when we start working online we find out sooner or later that there’s such thing.
Our use of words can make a heck of difference and we’d better know what words we are using.
As a great reminder, Carol, also mentioned the word “subscribe” that so many people have on their blog which is also on the no-no list 🙂
Yes, my mom was like a grammar book personified, but I was the one good with words. But boy she would spot any little of the littlest grammatical error, and I learn a lot from her in that regard.
Have a wonderful happy New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day! And to your success in 2013!
HI Sylviane
Really impressive.Your post clearly depicts the great usage of words. Words can truly make or break relationships or for that matter friendships.
Importantly at times the choice of words really depends on mood and the situation we are in.Words really have an impact and I have seen many misunderstandings developing because of wrong usage of words.
Thanks for sharing this great info.
Sapna
Hi Sapna,
You are so right. Words can create misunderstanding and even anger. The words that are coming out of our mouth depend greatly on our mood, for sure, that’s why whatever mood we are into, we must watch for those words.
Thanks for you input 🙂
Hi Sylviane,
What a powerful post jam-packed with value Sylviane. Ahhh, the Power of Words. Words are powerful that can make or break and for sure they carry feelings with them.
You said it all in this post, words that are soft and those that are hard and I like the analogy of mom and dad. Words that sell and those that don’t. Words translate feelings and here is when it can make or break relationships. I like how you said to include the word “YOU” which is very powerful in speaking to the person personally.
“You can change your world by changing your words… Remember, death and life are in the power of the tongue”.
Lots of good gems in this post Sylviane,
Be Blessed,
Neamat
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I loved this article so much. I absolutely nothing to add to this!
Words are very powerful and we overlook the effect they can have on our readers. Most of the time what makes some kind of meaning in our heads have a different meaning all together when written!
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Hi Hajra,
I’m very glad that you liked this post. Just wanted to try a bit different type of post for the new year.
Words are that important that some sell and some don’t. So, we’d better know what there are, don’t we?
Thanks for coming.
Hi Sylviane,
your post about the power and meanings of words rings a bell to me. As a blogger, I sometimes have a hard time looking for simple but influential words. Thank you for sharing your lists of selling and non-selling words and special thanks for the careful psychological analysis of the word ‘decision’. The readers’ responses can be hard to predict, but your detailed analysis of underlying meanings is helpful indeed.
Happy holidays to you and your family! I hope to read something new from you after the holidays are over.
Hi Diane and welcome to my blog!
I am glad that you enjoyed this topic and even though you knew that already it’s always good to be reminded that some words are working and some don’t, so we can write with better results.
Thank you for your wishes and very happy New Year to you too!
Hi Sylviane, this post is really helpful not just in life but also in writing. I would also point out that we should not waste our time on words that we don’t really mean. I’m referring to lying with the exception of jokes which are entertaining if delivered properly.
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Hi Connor,
Yes, intresting thought. lies should be avoided by any mean. How interesting that the popular device called “lie detector” can catch how our body reacts when such liying words come out of one’s mouth.
Just a thought 🙂 Thanks so much for your visit and welcome, by the way!
This is such a great article! Love it and thanks for sharing! It’s been very helpful!
Hi Courtney,
Thank for coming and for your comment. Think about getting avatar if you intend to comment on blogs on a regular basis. Just a friendly reminder.
Great post, Sylviane. Extremely valuable info here. I’ve heard before that there’s a psychology behind words and choosing the right ones when it comes to copy writing. One thing that I know works well is to just simply write the way that you talk. When you write the way you naturally speak, your readers feel as if your speaking directly to them and they trust you quicker. I aim to write like this in every post I create. I love to read posts that are written in a conversational tone, it’s so engaging and much more fun to read. Thanks for sharing such a great resource with us. I appreciate it!
Ti
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Hi Ti,
Thank you for bringing this out. writing as you speak is very important. Nobody likes to read content with no personality, no warms and as if it were not addressing a human being reading those words.
Thank you for coming by, and I value your input 🙂
Hello Sylviane, I always feel good about myself when I read an article or post written by an expert that seems to be align with my feelings or knowledge about a subject. I have been attracted to words; their ability to convey thoughts and emotions.
I have believed from from and early age that words are they for us to use and learning the best ways to use certain words to explain or convey some thing is also a continuing goal. Thank you for also pointing out the use of “Words” in blogging to allow the reader to want to continue reading and not close off his mind to your post.
I wish for you much success in 2013.
Hi Michael,
Thank you for coming by and I am glad that you are a lover of words. I am too, and that since I was just a small kid.
Words are what conveys our emotions. very important, indeed.
Nice to see you here and thanks for your input to this post.
Hi Sylviane
I think this is one of the most important info for me. And i am glad reading your article. But want to remark on some general things, The web site style is great, the articles is really nice :D. Good job, cheers