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Communication has always played an important role throughout the history of man, from the very early days and continuing today. And word power plays a vital role in the efficiency of our communication.

Words affect your thoughts and behaviour, your interaction with other people, your ability to express ideas, and your very actions. The power of words can transform our world. Words can evoke all kinds of human feelings; from positive feelings such as happiness, friendship, love, and heroism; to negative feelings such as sorrow, dejection, hatred, and enmity, just to mention a few.

Words can create strong impressions, powerful images, and elevated expectations. Word power can be used to build ideas and connections in your mind and the minds of your listeners. ‘The power of words, chosen carefully and accurately, is fascinating,’ (Nickelsen, L 2001, p. 4). Words influence your thoughts, and your thoughts influence your actions. They have a direct effect on the way people consider and estimate you. Efficient use of words can enhance your results, in your professional and personal lives.

Poorly chosen words can dampen the enthusiasm your colleagues have in your ideas, lessen their expectations, and give them a diminished view of your abilities. They can keep people at a distance, prevent them from taking your opinions seriously, and act damagingly to progress in your endeavours, and your success in general.

On the other hand, carefully and efficiently chosen words can inspire people, and instil in them confidence and vision. They can make your coworkers admire you, value your opinions and suggestions, consider your decisions more favourably, and often seek your advice and assistance. These results in turn increase your confidence and self-esteem, making you bolder and more eager to get actively involved in anything you want to. Competent word power highly increases your chances of success in life.

The more you learn to harness the power of words and use it effectively and with impact, the more prominent and active you become in your place of work and your social circle, often without you even knowing it. ‘Words are powerful! They have the power to move us. They can lift our spirits, inspire us, change our mood, give us courage, make us cry and do much more. They can move our life forward,’ (Fishel, R 2002, p. 10).

Make sure that the words you use work for you, and not against you. Use your word power in such as way as to create a distinct and clear image of the idea you are trying to convey, in the listeners’ minds. And you will find yourself climbing the ladder of success with astonishing speed!

See further, Power Words.

REFERENCES

Fishel, R 2002, Change Almost Anything in 21 Days, Health Communications Inc. Deerfield Beach, FL.

Nickelsen, L 2001, Teaching Elaboration & Word Choice, Scholastic Inc., 555 Broadway, NY.