This is a straightforward exercise to initiate a short and accessible list of words that one can use in writing. In writing proposals, essays, college essays, etc., one needs to show depth in wording to produce a positive impression (so this most important when making a first impression). The basic idea is that some words more accurately define an action or emotion, and that the reader needs this clarity to empathize with the meaning.
At one end, when “bland” words are chosen, the reader may become disinterested…
Instead of “said”, one could use (where appropriate) “argued”, “pleaded” , “denied” or “explained.” Attaching an adjective would also greatly expand the impact of carefully chosen words. For example, “pleaded vehemently” which creates a scene/action readily imagined.
The words that we hope to include are those that engage/stimulate interest and emotion (eg, hope, sympathy, happiness, beneficial), even empathy. They can also affect the feeling of time and place. We would aim to influence, persuade and take control.
Unfortunately, at the other extreme is the frequent use of words not in the average person’s vocabulary (this harms momentum and perhaps interest).
Now for the exercise – some starting prompts:
1. Imagine your favorite pastime – how would you describe it?
2. What word best describes your hero?
3. What word best describes the most exciting/engaging part of your favorite movie?
4. How does your favorite television commercial make you feel?
5. What kind of books do you like to read?
6. Imagine that you are dancing. How would you describe it?
7. What word would you use to describe a pile of work in front you?
8. What word would you use to describe something very important?
Some of my favorite words:
Positivity
1. efficacious – can be used to describe people, ideas, work and many other things.
2. dichotomy – can be used to describe relationship of ideas; especially useful when debating two sides of an issue.
3. convergence – denotes movement of both tangible (technologies) and intangible (ideas) objects.
4. motivate – can be used to demonstrate an effort to change or a change agent which lends to revealing something new (always exciting to discover something new!)
5. inspiration – can be used to introduce a high-level factor and build a connection to/association with something already highly regarded or promising.
Other candidates: versatile, commendable, amicable, compelling
Negativity
1. ferocious – example of word that conjures thankful feeling of not being in the same situation; describes a personal state (eg, fever) or a stressor (hurricane).
2. fallacy – expresses a strong opinion and position; sets expectation of forthcoming proof/evidence/support.
3. unrelenting – denotes length of time of a stressor in which a subject can go through one or more significant phases/changes such as in mood.
4. tension – if used properly, the reader will start to feel tense in a physical reaction/manner; builds empathy.
5. perfunctory – can be used to influence the reader that something is not worth thinking of in detail; comes across as robotic/programmed or void of emotion.
Other candidates: inconsequential, dimunitive, impediment