Use the Five Most Powerful Words of the English Language

Let’s start with a simple exercise. In the next 30 seconds, write down the first things that come to your mind when you think of the word “holiday”.

Finished? Great. What did you write down? Sun? Beach? Relaxing? Getting wasted? 5-star resorts? Hostels? Snowboarding? Backpacking? Swimming? Getting a tan – or getting burned? Hiking – or doing nothing at all? Now ask someone next to you to do the same. When you compare your associations of the word “holiday” with the other person, you’ll see that the other person probably came up with different things than you. A simple word such as ‘holiday’ makes it clear that everyone has different thoughts, interpretations, emotions, and motivations when hearing or reading a single word. Each word sets a particular tone and expectation.

The five most persuasive English words might seem a bit simple. Don’t be fooled, the power is in their simplicity and clarity. Scientific research revealed the effectiveness of the following five words over and over again. Memorize the following five words so you can use them the next time you’re writing.

Here we go: You, Because, Free, New & Instantly. Need a mnemonic? YBFNI. Memorize it. Use it.