As a former English major, I'm pretty tuned in to (and turned on by) the power of words.
We're living in an era where people are using fewer of them than ever before to communicate.
The average adult knows about 42K words by age 20. Studies show that we have the capacity to learn 50 new words each day but most people only learn one new word every two days.
Whether you're selling a product or service, asking for a raise or pitching a client, talking to your significant other or family member, or just hanging out with your friends, the words you choose to use can make or break a relationship.
Business media is filled with lists of "power words" and cloud-based platforms like Grammarly and Hemingway critique your writing. Grammarly can even report on what kind of mood your writing conveys.
Gong "listens in" on sales conversations and gives professionals guidance on how to use words more effectively to close deals. Marketers spend hours and millions of dollars trying to figure out which search terms drive the most traffic to websites. And, when you're crafting a brand mission statement, unique selling proposition, or guiding principles for a company's culture, every word counts.
In short, the words you choose -- in your professional and personal life -- can be vital to building your business and delivering the right outcomes.
This month (in preparation for "back-to-school season") we'll be focusing on vocabulary and how the words we use can:
Make us appear smarter
Impact the actions of others
Differentiate us from other personal brands and businesses
Generate awareness, loyalty, and revenue
Now is a great time to health-check your own vocabulary and think about the important conversations you have and e-mails you send every day.
A poorly-chosen word could lead to conflict or distrust. Too many words can lead to boredom. Too few words can give rise to confusion or unnecessary questions.
Don't be afraid to have other people (or a bot) review important communications. If you struggle with words, engage professionals to ghostwrite for you.
And, above all, think before you speak or hit send.
Some wise anonymous soul said:
Be sure to taste your words before you spit them out.
And Winston Churchill said:
A vocabulary of truth and simplicity will be of service throughout your life.
So, whether you're writing a 5,000-word management report (ugh!) or an Insta caption (or anything in-between) remember that the words you choose CAN have an immediate and lasting impact!
Fabulous reflection on the importance of the words we choose (key in and spit out). Thanks!
Yes, it's so important to choose our words online. There so much competition and if our words don't hit the mark with our ideal readers, then something is wrong for sure!
~ Corinne Rodrigues
Everyday Gyaan Together We Can