Words have significant power.
Words ARE power and they could be YOUR power if you use them wisely.
Are you choosing the right words?
Let’s think about it – the words you use, either verbally or in written form, can influence how others perceive you. They can build trust or ruin your reputation. They can instill confidence and they can ultimately destroy relationships.
We are constantly communicating and sharing verbal and written content in this crazy online world via social media, blogging, texts, emails, live video streaming, podcasts…and the list goes on!
So are we giving our words enough thought and consideration?
‘Words’ and their meaning have been on my mind a lot lately. As a copywriter, online marketing consultant and life coach words play a significant role in my work and life.
As a copywriter I find myself thinking about the exact word or phrase that will clearly articulate what a client does as a part of her website’s ‘ABOUT’ page.
As an online marketing consultant I’m always crafting persuasive copy that cuts to the chase – essentially why you should buy a client’s fabulous x, y, z.
As a life coach, I often find myself carefully asking clients insightful questions that get straight to the heart of the matter that they’re exploring.
Personally, I’m constantly listening to my internal dialogue and the words I use in conversations with loved ones, friends and new acquaintances.
I ask myself, “Am I giving my words enough thought and consideration?”
“Am I passing on positivity to myself and others through my words?”
Based on all of this thinking, I’ve compiled a short list of ways that I’ve been using the power of my words to their full potential!
I make it my mission to read some form of positive text everyday. I’ll read uplifting blog posts, hunt through instagram for inspiring quotes or I’ll read over some positive affirmations that I’ve scribbled in one of my multiple journals.
Make it your mission to fill your mind with positivity through the power of language and read positive words daily!
I’m a huge fan or giving genuine compliments and providing praise to others.
As I mentioned in a previous post, giving a compliment is a gift and it’s a way of letting others know that you truly appreciate them. PLUS you’re sharing positivity through your words.
In terms of receiving compliments, let the power of positive words flow through you and lift you up… rather than deflecting a compliment! (We are all guilty of this at times!).
Everyday I read over my ‘core desired feelings’ to remind me of how I want to feel– this year I want to feel Expansive, Abundant, Magnetic and Devoted.
You can create your own list of positive power words.
Think of words that uplift and inspire you – then write them out, pin them up, read over them daily and even say them out loud!
This is something that I’ve been working on from both a verbal and written perspective.
We’ve all been in a heated situation when words, (often negative words), come flying out our mouths in response to something someone has said or done.
Or we find ourselves staring angrily at our computer screen with our finger raised above the mouse, ready to click ‘send’ on a rather emotional email we’ve written.
I’ve learned that it’s much better to take the time for ‘conscious thought,’ so you can consider how best to respond.
Essentially it’s best to make the choice to think before we open our mouths or fire back an abrupt email or text.
Allow yourself space to respond.
In my opinion, the only attitude is gratitude!
Saying ‘thank you’ is a very simple thing to do.
Whether it’s saying ‘thanks’ to someone in response to a kind gesture or expressing what you’re grateful for in your journal….or even ticking off what you’re appreciative of in your head as you fall asleep.
These positive words of thanks are extremely powerful!
Put simply, the more words you have in your vocabulary, the more likely you will communicate with clarity.
I’ll admit that I’m kind of addicted to the old thesaurus and dictionary. When I’m searching for a different word to use, especially when I’m my writing, I head straight to these trusty tools!
You can also enhance your word smarts by broadening your horizons and reading different types of texts, completing crossword puzzles and listening to informative and inspiring podcasts.
As you start to build up your vocab, you’ll be able to express exactly what it is that you want to say in a more precise and efficient way.
Day-to-day, it’s not uncommon to find our ‘mean girl’ creeping in and filling our minds with negative self-talk.
To ensure your ‘mean girl’ doesn’t get the best of you it’s important to be aware of your internal dialogue. Are you always beating yourself up or berating yourself?
If so, identify aspects of your behaviour, your appearance or your achievements that you can comment positively on.
It’s important to be specific with your words and don’t hold back telling yourself how awesome your hair looks, how well you did presenting a project to your colleagues or simply how awesome your life is!
Get used to graciously accepting your own compliments!
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Our words, whether they are spoken, written or are a part of our internal dialogue have immense power.
But the great news is that we can take creative control and craft our own story through using our words to their full potential!
Do you agree? I’d love to hear in the comments section below if you’re conscious of the words you use on a daily basis?
And if you’re an entrepreneur or small business owner make sure you sign up for my LIVE Hong Kong based copywriting workshop happening this month – ‘Copy That Connects’ on 25th June!
You can find all the workshop details plus purchase your tickets here!
Love,
