Power Words

Joshua Uebergang · 08-30-2009, 02:30 PM

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 · 08-30-2009, 04:02 PM

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 · 08-30-2009, 05:23 PM

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 · 08-30-2009, 06:35 PM

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 · 08-30-2009, 11:38 PM

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

[

MikeHumphreys · 08-31-2009, 09:49 AM

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 · 08-31-2009, 08:01 PM

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 · 08-31-2009, 08:42 PM

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

Good stuff!!!

Jag82 · 08-31-2009, 10:02 PM

Quote:

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 · 08-31-2009, 10:16 PM

Quote:

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

Metronicity · 09-01-2009, 03:22 AM

Quote:

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 · 09-01-2009, 05:34 AM

Quote:

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 · 09-01-2009, 12:36 PM

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 · 09-02-2009, 04:07 AM

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 · 09-02-2009, 01:22 PM

Quote:

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

08-30-2009, 02:30 PM	#1
Joshua Uebergang literally above the crowd War Room Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Ipswich, Australia. It's 30min South-West from Brisbane. Posts: 1,942 Thanks: 9 Thanked 23 Times in 6 Posts Social Networking Contact Info	Power Words 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.
	>> Submit your communication, personal development, and relationship articles today to drive targeted visitors to your site by going to My Communication Articles.

08-30-2009, 04:02 PM	#2
Bill Jeffels Copywriter / Marketer Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Toronto, Canada Posts: 231 Thanks: 48 Thanked 50 Times in 45 Posts	Re: Power Words 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
	Gary Halbert said "You will succeed through movement not through meditation"

08-30-2009, 05:23 PM	#3
Hugh Thyer HyperActive Warrior Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: 102 Thanks: 5 Thanked 36 Times in 17 Posts	Re: Power Words 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.
	Direct Response Copywriter For Hire Do YOU get my weekly articles on copywriting and direct response marketing? You should. Get on my notification list now-> www.salescomefirst.com

08-30-2009, 06:35 PM	#4
Alex Cohen Copywriting Coach War Room Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Rural Pennsylvania Posts: 210 Thanks: 2 Thanked 40 Times in 23 Posts Social Networking Contact Info	Re: Power Words 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

08-30-2009, 11:38 PM	#5
Dean Dhuli Compulsive Copywriter War Room Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Posts: 402 Thanks: 16 Thanked 32 Times in 28 Posts Contact Info	Re: Power Words Check this out. You'll love it: WORD POWER 3: ADVERTISING TECHNIQUES & CREATIVE ADVERTISING FOR EVERY BUSINESS [
	Dean Dhuli, Direct Response Copywriter & Marketing Consultant Looking for a Copywriter? Click here...

08-31-2009, 09:49 AM	#6
MikeHumphreys Copywriter and Marketer War Room Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Philly Suburbs, USA Posts: 2,015 Thanks: 130 Thanked 177 Times in 105 Posts Social Networking	Re: Power Words 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.
	Are You Kidding?!? $5 For Your Own Secret Conversion-Boosting Weapon... Now On Clickbank: Earn 60% Affiliate Commisions On My Offline Consulting Secrets! Revive Your Sales Letter FAST! \| Offline Consulting Secrets \| Market Your Copy Six-Figure Producing Copywriter For Hire \| Easy Referral Systems \| Easy Multi Tracking

08-31-2009, 08:01 PM	#7
Joshua Uebergang literally above the crowd War Room Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Ipswich, Australia. It's 30min South-West from Brisbane. Posts: 1,942 Thanks: 9 Thanked 23 Times in 6 Posts Social Networking Contact Info	Re: Power Words 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.
	>> Submit your communication, personal development, and relationship articles today to drive targeted visitors to your site by going to My Communication Articles.

08-31-2009, 08:42 PM	#8
jasondinner Senior Warrior Member War Room Member Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Long Island, NY USA. Posts: 1,200 Thanks: 128 Thanked 68 Times in 51 Posts Social Networking	Re: Power Words Yeah, found a ton in Case Study #54 on his Simple Writing System sales page. Good stuff!!!
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09-01-2009, 12:36 PM	#13
Jag82 Focus. Faith. War Room Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: , , . Posts: 649 Thanks: 56 Thanked 165 Times in 42 Posts Social Networking Contact Info	Re: Power Words 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
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09-02-2009, 04:07 AM	#14
Joshua Uebergang literally above the crowd War Room Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Ipswich, Australia. It's 30min South-West from Brisbane. Posts: 1,942 Thanks: 9 Thanked 23 Times in 6 Posts Social Networking Contact Info	Re: Power Words 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.
	>> Submit your communication, personal development, and relationship articles today to drive targeted visitors to your site by going to My Communication Articles.