A word is dead
When it is said,
Some say.
I say it just begins
to live that day.
-Emily Dickinson
Words are much more than letters strung together… or a connected series of syllables. They are expressions of a mental concept. And because they have meaning in the mind—at the level of intellect and emotion and will—they have spiritual and creative power.
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God…. Through him all things were made.”
-John 1:1-3a
But words (with a small “w”) are imperfect. (“The Word became flesh.” –John 1:14a)
Each word is an encapsulated expression of an idea… or an image… or an emotion… and brings up all sorts of associations and connotations and implications. Each word is like a gift that is unwrapped in the reader’s mind.
Some people bring up different associations than others. Which results in confusion.
But despite their limitation, words are the best tools we have for communicating on the Earth plane.
The only thing for it is to choose your words carefully. Be aware of the COMMON associations each individual word has in the culture of the prospect you are targeting.
For example, know that the word “learn” often brings up hard work and study, which has negative connotations for many people. On the other hand, “discover” sounds new, fresh, and exciting. (To the thinker or the academic, both words sound new, fresh, and exciting.)
Know that “30 days” “feels” shorter than “one full month.”
Know that the word “course” carries more implicit value than an “ebook”, which carries more implicit value than a “report.”
Know that the word “secret” sounds exciting to some… but to others smacks of “hype.”
Know your prospect… and choose your words carefully.
Yours in Spirit,
Joshua “Aaron” Stanley
“The Spiritual Copywriter”
{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
This is my kind of meditation. I’m reminded of another poem by Dickinson:
“Tell all the truth, but tell it slant./ Success in circuit lies./ …The Truth must dazzle gradually/ or every man be blind.”
Aaron, when I read your words I discover anew that the written word must be chosen carefully to have full impact.
Warmest Regard,
Edward Philipp
.-= Edward Philipp´s last blog ..TeleSeminar Training You Don’t Pay For? Yes, You Can Register Now =-.
@Marcus That’s a great poem! I’ll have to remember that one… it may just make it into my book!
@Edward I’m glad my point is getting across! Thanks for the comment, Ed.
You have a great site and great tweets. So inspiring! Thank you for sharing. GB you and yours! CP