Power Words

[Joshua Uebergang]

I'm after lists of persuasive power words. Most lists out there, however, aren't that good. I need words like humilation, embarrassment, murder... not like valuable, powerful, and amazing - they're skinny words undeserving of the name "power words".

I want John Carlton's special report, but it seems I can only get that by buying $500+ courses. Any words, links, resources will be useful.

[Bill Jeffels]

Joshua,

You hit the nail on the head. Power Words are very important. I bought John Carltons course a few years ago. And I studied it for months.

Actually, recently I began going through it again. I have the "Power Words" in front of me right now.

"Take the word 'humiliate'... no one hears that word with out having a visceral reaction. Everyone has suffered humiliation at some point. When I say in a headline that an old golfer '70 pounds over-weight and crippled with arthritis' routinely goes out and 'Humiliates' PGA professionals it creates some real drama".

I'm not sure where you can get it other than his course... but if you can it's well worth it.

I was going over Joe Sugarman's "Triggers" book last night for the 17th time and he has alot of emotional power words in that book.

Take care,

Bill Jeffels

[Hugh Thyer]

Get "Words That Sell" and "More Words That Sell" by Richard Bayan. About $25 on Amazon. "Phrases That Sell" is a good one too.

I've got my copies by my side whenever I write copy these days.

[Alex Cohen]

Try this online thesaurus. Works great for me. I key in a wimpy word and get a whole bunch of alternatives (some of them are power words) to choose from ...

FreeThesaurus.net - the Free Online Thesaurus/Synonym Finder

Also, if you have some time, read every John Carlton sales letter you can find. You'll find a bunch of them.

Alex

[Dean Dhuli]

Check this out. You'll love it:
WORD POWER 3: ADVERTISING TECHNIQUES & CREATIVE ADVERTISING FOR EVERY BUSINESS







[

[MikeHumphreys]

Anything from John Carlton is top-notch. If you're really strapped, you might find an older version of one of his courses on Ebay.

I also like to use VisuWords. Visuwords online graphical dictionary and thesaurus

Or Thesaurus.com

Tools like these are also good for replacing any words you think you're using too frequently in a sales letter with other ones that mean the same thing.

[Joshua Uebergang]

Good resources. I've already started inserting them into my letters.

Alex, I never thought of extracting Carlton's words from his works. Duh!!

One I just discovered from a thesasurus: crippling! Oh, love it.

[jasondinner]

Yeah, found a ton in Case Study #54 on his Simple Writing System sales page.

Good stuff!!!

[Jag82]

Originally Posted by Joshua Uebergang

I'm after lists of persuasive power words. Most lists out there, however, aren't that good. I need words like humilation, embarrassment, murder... not like valuable, powerful, and amazing - they're skinny words undeserving of the name "power words".

I want John Carlton's special report, but it seems I can only get that by buying $500+ courses. Any words, links, resources will be useful.

Here are some:

Astonishing/Astonished
Heat pounding
World class
Dramatically
Ignite/Re-ignite
Devoted
Replenish
Explosive
Accelerate
Sizzling HOT
Prowess
Guaranteed
Thrill/Thrilling
Hyper
Soar/Soaring
Foolproof
Desire/Desirable
Ultra
Mega
Gargantuan
Massive
Devastate/Devastating
Ripped
Tore
Instant
Laser-precision/Laser-accuracy
Plummeted
Blunder
Revealed
Exposed
Ooze
Stunning
Ravishing
Blown away
Gobsmacked
Vicious...

And obviously a lot more out there... =)

But here's at least a starter...

jag

[Jag82]

Originally Posted by Joshua Uebergang

I need words like humilation, embarrassment, murder... not like valuable, powerful, and amazing - they're skinny words undeserving of the name "power words".

Hi Joshua,

If you read through some of the top selling ads by Eugene Schwartz and Gary Halbert, you will find the word "amazing" in many of the headlines. So I'm not sure if it could be described as "skinny".

Jag

[The Copy Nazi]

Originally Posted by Jag82

Hi Joshua,

If you read through some of the top selling ads by Eugene Schwartz and Gary Halbert, you will find the word "amazing" in many of the headlines. So I'm not sure if it could be described as "skinny".

Jag

Trouble with a lot of these words is they become over-used. "Amazing" doesn't have the impact it used to have, amazingly enough. Why not play with "neologisms" - newly coined words. I do it often. With "amazing" I might turn it into "Aaaamazing" or "Amazingdonchathink?" or "aMazing" - anything to have it stand out. I saw a funny one recently - hasbian, noun A former lesbian who is now in a heterosexual relationship. Also known as a wasbian.

[Jag82]

Originally Posted by Metronicity

Trouble with a lot of these words is they become over-used. "Amazing" doesn't have the impact it used to have, amazingly enough. Why not play with "neologisms" - newly coined words. I do it often. With "amazing" I might turn it into "Aaaamazing" or "Amazingdonchathink?" or "aMazing" - anything to have it stand out. I saw a funny one recently - hasbian, noun A former lesbian who is now in a heterosexual relationship. Also known as a wasbian.

Ammmaazzing....that's surely some food for thought for me there. Thanks for this.

[Jag82]

More "power words" that will literally grab you by the balls...

Instant
Gratifying/Gratification
Sizzling
Seductive/Seduction
Dumb founded
Thumping
Blaze/Trail blazer
Waltz
Glory/Glorious
Devour
Merciless
Annihilate
Exterminate
Eliminate
Wipe out
Unleash
Fury/Furious
Rage
Berserk
Maddening
Intense
Affection/Affectionate
Passionate
Manipulate
Skyrocket
Huge spike
Boiling with anger
Crumbling
Shove
Aggressive/Aggression
RAW
....

More to come...

Jag

[Joshua Uebergang]

You made me squeal in painful delight Jag (about the balls pun). Another resource I just thought of is consuming anything Carlton writes i.e. I'm scouring his blog posts.

Two qualities that make a power word hit the prospect hard I believe is its rarity and emotional connotation. Rage is powerful because you don't stumble upon the word often, yet it conjures an image relevant to ALL of us and the desired sales message.

[Jag82]

Originally Posted by Joshua Uebergang

You made me squeal in painful delight Jag (about the balls pun). Another resource I just thought of is consuming anything Carlton writes i.e. I'm scouring his blog posts.

Two qualities that make a power word hit the prospect hard I believe is its rarity and emotional connotation. Rage is powerful because you don't stumble upon the word often, yet it conjures an image relevant to ALL of us and the desired sales message.

Joshua, it feels good ain't it (balls)? =)

I must admit. John Carlton is one hell of a persuasive copywriter. His copy is so mesmerizing. It can really suck you and keep you riveted. His bullets...my my my... He writes bullets so seductive, I have them all swiped to my trusty old file. And I thought I won't read better copy than Eugene Schwartz's. John Carlton's copies are at least equal in my view...

Yes, RAGE is a powerful word. When I think "Rage", I think of Wolverine of X-man. The intense anger...and red bulging eyeballs that looks like it will explode to smithereens any moment.... =)

Jag

[timmy123]

There is a free copy and paste list at top500powerwords.com

Hope this helps,
Timmy123

[marciayudkin]

There is a free copy and paste list at top500powerwords.com

Ignore this list. It's full of SAT-level mouthfuls like "amalgamation" "ascetic," "alacrity" etc. Those are words that might impress someone who never went to college, but they are NOT words with the kind of emotional kick people are talking about here.

Marcia Yudkin

[Ross Bowring]

Originally Posted by MikeHumphreys

Anything from John Carlton is top-notch. If you're really strapped, you might find an older version of one of his courses on Ebay.
.

That's how I got my copy of "Kick Ass Secrets" back yonder. It was touted as a "damaged" copy if I remember right. But when it came in the mail there wasn't a single scratch on it!

Then, the same month, I went out to buy my Chevy from a dealer's "hailstorm sale". I hit the long odds again. Not a single ding!

I'm one lucky fool.

--- Ross

[Raydal]

Originally Posted by Ross Bowring

That's how I got my copy of "Kick Ass Secrets" back yonder. It was touted as a "damaged" copy if I remember right. But when it came in the mail there wasn't a single scratch on it!

Then, the same month, I went out to buy my Chevy from a dealer's "hailstorm sale". I hit the long odds again. Not a single ding!

I'm one lucky fool.

--- Ross

LOL. Every year Yanik has a a "damaged" goods sales that you
wonder how clumsy the stockroom people are. Of course you
know that it's just marketing ploy.

I love to buy refurbished electronic stuff because I know that
they are really just as good as new.

-Ray Edwards

[Ross Bowring]

Originally Posted by Raydal

LOL. Every year Yanik has a a "damaged" goods sales that you
wonder how clumsy the stockroom people are. Of course you
know that it's just marketing ploy.

I love to buy refurbished electronic stuff because I know that
they are really just as good as new.

-Ray Edwards

You're right. They're very clumsy in some of these offices. And they often have bad plumbing/drainage/pipes as well. One too many floods tells me they must have had a dodgy contractor do work for them in the past.

They need the "Holmes on Homes" HGTV crew around to check things out.

--- Ross

[Loren Woirhaye]

You have to opt-in to get it - copywriter Mike Morgan put out
a document a while back he calls his "emotional thesaurus"
which may help you get some new words or find new ways
to use ones you've already got:

Magic Marketing Words - Put the power of Emotion into your communications

[Rezbi]

Originally Posted by Raydal

LOL. Every year Yanik has a a "damaged" goods sales that you
wonder how clumsy the stockroom people are. Of course you
know that it's just marketing ploy.

I love to buy refurbished electronic stuff because I know that
they are really just as good as new.

-Ray Edwards

Ray,

I bought a 'seconds' (damaged) VCR in 1998 and it lasted me 8 years. It only had a scratch and lasted longer that any other electronic device I had.

[RickDuris]

When someone mentions "power words" I cringe.

As if dripping, sprinkling, ladling these "tried and true" "words that sell" words are one of the keys to success.

THEY ARE NOT.

You should be relieved. But many I submit, will defy.

Try this idea on for a moment:

============================

If you're telling a compelling story, do you use those words? Are those the "power words?"

No, they are not. You use words that give the story integrity and authenticity.

Those are THE power words.

For instance, last night I was listening to an interview of Robert Young Pelton who wrote "Licensed to Kill." It's about the government using privatized, mercenarial citizens to fight wars.

Companies like Blackwater and Triple Canopy.

The words he used, his language--oh my goodness--he was the real deal. I may not know anything about war, but when I listened to him, he proved beyond question he walked the talk. I wanted to buy his book--just for the stories.

=============================

Then there are words that resonate with your market.

These are the most important "power words." These are my favorite.

For instance, I'm working with a gentleman who's developing an organic foods book. These organic food folks have a language all their own.

Like most niches, they speak "in code." I am not talking jargon or acronyms. Just normal words which they, as a community, have assigned a slightly, but still powerfully different meaning.

For instance, the word "aware." Use that word in the health-conscious, organic community and you will get a strong positive reaction.

Why?

You are speaking their language.

=============================

The idea of power words should not be underestimated, but you must know which, when and where to use them. Research is required. They will make your copy sing.

I believe the "words that sell" power words should be used sparingly. Like you were a surgeon with a scalpel. Like a gourmet chef with a spice that makes all the difference to the dish.

- Rick Duris

[marciayudkin]

Like a gourmet chef with a spice that makes all the difference to the dish.

Rick,

Good analogy.

A little goes a long way, if carefully chosen.

Someone who has the belief that more is better is going to mess up the dish, big time.

A top-notch copywriter chooses the spices that bring out the particular flavor of the ingredients, not all-purpose spices that get sprinkled heavily on everything.

I agree with you that an infatuation with "power words" in their own right can take someone in a very wrong direction.

Marcia Yudkin

[SmashTweet]

The Complete Idiot's Guide to Power Words/Scott Snair - a suggestion

[Paul McQuillan]

Originally Posted by RickDuris

When someone mentions "power words" I cringe.

As if dripping, sprinkling, ladling these "tried and true" "words that sell" words are one of the keys to success.

Huh? Are you trying to tell me by placing 13 'free' and 22 'buy now' terms around my page, sales will not increase dramatically?

I suppose 'cash sucking' is out now too

Damn you Mr Duris!

[Jag82]

Originally Posted by IM Viper

I suppose 'cash sucking' is out now too

"Sucks cash like vacuum" is okay though.

[jamespitt]

Go to Career Lab website you can see their strong words to use.

[Anthony La Tour]

I have John Carlton's 'Kick-Ass Copywriting' course that I purchased about 2 months back. It came with his 'Power words' report. After I read that, my mind just kicked into overdrive! and I had a huge 'ah-ha!' moment.

His Power Words report is worth a couple hundred alone... at least that's what I would pay.

Just my $0.02

Best Regards,
Anthony

[Joshua Uebergang]

I posted this thread a year ago so it's nice to hear new insight into power words.

Rick, your post about using language and terminology the market uses are power words to them was a massive insight. You helped me draw a link between my teachings in communication and writing copy. If a golfer talks to you about dog legs and thinning bunker shots, you've hit power words to them and build an instant rapport. It's powerful to them because you're using their lingo. You've communicated you understand their reality more than any sales person can with a list of stock power words.

[tylerdrun]

Brilliant
Stunning
Staggering
Jaw-dropping
Mind-blowing
Masterful
Electrifying
Powerful
Potent
Compelling
Riveting
Explode
Unforgettable
Terrific
Remarkable
Sensational
Splendid
Incredible
Superb
Wonderful
Awesome
Breathtaking
Magnificent
Unbeatable
Unstoppable
Crucial
Vital
Critical
A must have
Indispensable
Essential
The key to
Imperative
Unleash
Trigger

[tylerdrun]

You
Now
At last
Attention
Urgent
New
The only
Exclusive
First
Sex
Discover
Unlock
Secrets of
If you
Experience the
Reveal
Do you think
Learn
Startling
Shocking
Exhilarating
Astonishing
Staggering
Frustrated
Hurtful
Shameful
Humiliating
Horribly embarrassing
Explosive
Amazing
Risk-free
Guaranteed
Stunning
Spectacular
Revealing
Did you know
Have you
Are you
Wouldn't you
Do you want
Tired of
Why put up
It's time you
How to
Revolutionary
Imagine
New method
Latest
Important
Would you
Are you
When did
Introducing
Genuine
Honest
Real
Truthful
Only for
How to
Urgent
Warning
Caution
Stop
Attention
Finally
Shortcuts
Insider

There's more but it is something you learn as you go... the source for this list: http://www.ejaculationbycommand.com/affiliates.html#9

My list:
Sureshot
Surefire
Ultra
Tantalizing

[UnleashReality]

Great words but words isn't the whole story, it's how the words tickle the words around them.

your sentences should shake out like a bedsheet.

using slick words is well and good but emotionally affecting your readers is making music, not just hitting some impressively high notes

respect-o

[mrdomains]

I´m not a fan of the generalized power-word lists or basing copy on the ideology because I feel adressing your target audience in their own lingo is more important. I also feel over-use of power-words (which I find quite common out there) within a message dilutes the power of the message as a whole.

And yet, I accept that each target group will have a set of power words that work better than others within the specific niche. It is a dilemma

Anyway, a couple that I use for most niches are

kick-ass
true
win
autopilot
foolish
trick
magnificent
glory

[PowPow]

Originally Posted by Loren Woirhaye

You have to opt-in to get it - copywriter Mike Morgan put out
a document a while back he calls his "emotional thesaurus"
which may help you get some new words or find new ways
to use ones you've already got:

Thanks, Loren...great list!

[cozandeffect]

I've posted this elsewhere but it makes sense here:

Zoho Sheet - Online Spreadsheets

It's my own spreadsheet loading with emotionally charged words.

Enjoy.

[BrianMcLeod]

Originally Posted by Ken_Caudill

mother****er

You rang?

[Kevin Rogers]

Great tip on fusing power words into your brain as part of your writing warm up.

I recorded myself reading Carlton's power words report and I let it play when I need a spark... or I'm feeling drained, downtrodden or just plain dicked.

[BrianMcLeod]

Originally Posted by Kevin Rogers

...or just plain dicked.

As opposed to when he's fancy dicked.

Everyone knows that's when you're supposed to start texting...

Gene Yuss