Word.

I love words. When I was studying for the GRE I joined an obscure word of the day group and everyday a new word and its corresponding definition would appear in my inbox. My goal was to use that word at least five times that day in conversation. Words like "myriad," "chicanery," and "regardless" invoke special memories for me and make me smile. Others remind me only of the tedium of standardized testing. Regardless, the power of words is indisputable.

The picture I have included with this post was taken at a little diner in Astoria, OR last summer. My friend, Jen, and I had stopped there for lunch. The diner was not your typical greasy spoon. It was eccentric and artsy and completely Astoria. This sign was hanging in the restroom. I loved the way the owners chose to address the vandalism by stringing a few short words together. The message is upfront and informative and ends with a dig at the person who stole the print. What a great way to respond to the crime!

As a grant writer, words are what I do. I am learning that certain words "buzz" for certain markets. When I write for some of the more rural communities in Indiana, my writing is laced with words like "tradition" and "values." On the other hand, when I write for communities with a strong academic base, I tend to use words like "innovation" and "change-makers." By tailoring my language to my audience, I am better able to convey my message and establish report.

So imagine my excitement when I came across an article about the power of words while perusing one of my LinkedIn groups. While the research behind the article as well as the purpose of the article is pure marketing, I can see so many other uses for this research.

Here are the words:

1. You

2. Results

3. Health

4. Guarantee

5. Discover

6. Love

7. Proven

8. Safety

9. Save

10. New

The words are, for the most part, short and sweet. They are words that the average adult will not only recognize but understand. Perhaps their simplicity is the reason for their success?

Now, instead of simply using these words for marketing purposes, how interesting would it be to apply these words to interpersonal relationships? When talking with coworkers, friends, the lady at the grocery store, try to use some of these "power" words. That will be my experiment for the week.

I may end up sounding like a maniac, or I may just end up becoming a more convincing individual. I'll let you know. Either way, I GUARANTEE YOU will LOVE the RESULTS.