The Pwr of Wrds

Do words have energy?

A number of very credible people make the case that in fact words do vibrate energy. Certainly they can transmit tremendous emotional power, but do words themselves—a series of adjacent letters—exude a kind of power. A real energy?

We at Positively Writing think this is a highly relevant question in this age of 3,300 teen texts per month. Texts that often contain no words at all, but rather abbreviations, acronyms and other abbreviated versions of actual words. 

Let's consider two strong words. First: Hate. 

Now consider this word: Peace.

You very likely have definitive, tangible reactions when you read these. And it's just as likely those reactions are vastly different. But do you have equally different feelings when you read "laughing out loud" and "lol"? Hmm . . . 

In the advertising world, good copywriting occurs when the words "bounce," when they have their own energy, When they move the reader along and make him anticipate what comes next. Sometimes with short sentences. Very short. Only to be followed by longer, more detailed sentences that provide the final, persuasive thought that answers the preceding ideas. Yes, good copywriting comprises substance and style; you'll deliver a message with greater impact if it contains the right information and it's delivered with positive, energetic words.

When we're not in work mode, we're far more informal with our language. Slang has become the default norm; street talk has moved curbside and right into the house. We're not chastising here, but simply illustrating another evolutionary turn of the language. And as always, we think some consideration should be given to the benefits of correct, complete communication.

The issue of communicating with words vs. texting with abbvs is one issue we think should be given more consideration by the MSM (Mainstream Media—what, you didn't know they had their own abbv?). Why? Because eliminating words, or reducing them to pieces, takes us one step further from each other.

E-mail and texting can be efficient, effective methods of communicating, often less intrusive than telephone calls. They also eliminate voice mail messages, which can be quite lengthy and, frankly, annoying. But the phone does give us one thing this digital duo cannot: a person.

When you speak with someone, they're there (at least their voice is there). When you e-mail or text, you're seeing digital representations of someone tapping on a keyboard. No voice. You're left to your own, sometimes completely erroneous devices, when interpretation of those words is necessary. If you're on the phone with someone, the odds that you'll misinterpret their words is low. Very low.

But it's the way of the world, you say. Well, yes it is, to a greater and great extent. But one of our goals here at Positively Writing is to be a voice of vigilance. So we think it perfectly appropriate to remind all of us that words—real, actual words—can do things that all the OMGs in the world cannot. They are much better equipped to deliver emotion, often subtle, nuanced, and complex.

So if you can handle digital delivery of a communication in 45, not 15, seconds, send us your words. In nicely constructed sentences. With punctuation. And chances are you'll make us happy. Because you'll help us feel some things that you very likely want us to feel. And that kind of connection is most definitely a good thing.

Now just don't comment on this post with "AYSOS." That will most definitely not make us very happy. So . . . C4N!

(No, I wouldn't leave you wondering. AYSOS=Are You Stupid Or Something, and C4N=Ciao For Now!)