Expand Your Vocabulary, Expand Your Influence

American author Ernest Hemingway said, “My aim is to put down on paper what I see and what I feel in the best and simplest way.” That’s the essence of good writing, and because we cannot write without words, to achieve that, our vocabulary must capture the best and simplest way to express our thoughts. A rich vocabulary makes writing more precise, expressive, and persuasive. However, expanding your word bank isn't about using big words—it’s about using the right words.

Expand Your Vocabulary.

Read! Read! Read!

To start the journey of writing well, one should start by reading beyond your usual comfort zone. Nonfiction, classic literature, essays, poetry, and even newspaper articles expose you to words you might not hear every day. When you encounter a new word, pause. Look it up. Use it in a sentence. Better yet, use it in your own writing. Reading is half the battle won in expanding your vocabulary.

Start a Word Bank.

Another strategy is to make a habit of writing down interesting words in a journal in a systematic way. You could group them by theme, tone, industry jargon, or context so they're easier to recall. Don’t just collect words though, they will only benefit you if you practice using them. Challenge yourself to use new vocabulary in emails, conversations, letters, or journal entries. This reinforces memory and boosts confidence. Make a list of synonyms and antonyms based on these new words, allowing yourself better options when choosing the right words. Sometimes, depending on the context, working with an antonym has a greater impact than using a synonym. For example, “The lawyer ignored vital information from his client and lost the case.” Ignored could be replaced with the synonyms: overlooked or disregarded, but here is the sentence using an antonym for ignored. “ The lawyer refused to acknowledge vital information from his client and lost the case.” The first sentence implies that the action could have been an oversight, not intentional, but the second sentence makes it clear that the action was intentional, and now introduces the element of motive.

Right words depend on the audience, the purpose of your writing – to entertain, inform, terrify, and so on, and the tone you want to convey. In another blog, we will talk about tone as it influences vocabulary. Tone determines how your communication is received. Remember, you are not writing for yourself, but your reader. Also, understand the connotation of words—not just what they mean, but how they feel. Saying someone is "persistent" feels different from calling them "stubborn," even if the actions are similar.

Aim for Clarity Over Complexity.

A well-placed simple word often communicates more effectively than an obscure one. If your reader does not understand your vocabulary, then your communication has failed. Expanding your vocabulary is an intentional exercise that allows you to have options — but always choose the word that best fits your message and your audience. Obscure could be replaced with vague or unclear.

Using Words Effectively.

Consider Your Audience

Tailor your vocabulary and tone to whom you're speaking or writing. For instance, the word ‘sad’ is suitable for both kindergarten students and adults, but the following substitutes might confuse a little toddler: morose, melancholy, unhappy, or depressed. The best and simplest way to use words effectively is to consider what you want to convey to your audience. How you want them to feel or even think. Take a look at these sentences and note how vocabulary influences thought.  In legal jargon, many cases are won or lost based on vocabulary. 1) Pamela did not make it to the concert as she had promised. 2) Despite her promise, Pamela boycotted the concert. In sentence two, Pamela was maligned with one word – boycotted. In addition, using highly technical jargon with a general audience will likely lead to confusion, while overly simplistic language might bore or even offend an expert. Think about their knowledge level, interests, and what kind of language will get the best response from your reader.

Be Precise and Specific

Choose words that convey your exact meaning, avoiding vague or generic terms. Instead of saying "the weather was bad," describe it with more precise words like "the torrential rain and strong winds made the commute treacherous." Precision helps your audience understand your message clearly and vividly. Use the question cues to craft your sentence and polish it with excellent vocabulary choices. Great sentences paint a picture and are informative. Let’s take this sentence from ordinary to extraordinary: John was glad to win the competition. Revised: John, the newest member of the chess team , was elated that after a stiff battle, they won the competition in the final round. Being specific made the sentence more engaging.

Embrace Active Voice and Strong Verbs

Active voice makes your sentences more direct, concise, and impactful. Instead of "The ball was hit by the boy" (passive), use "The boy hit the ball" (active). Similarly, opt for strong, descriptive verbs over weaker ones or those combined with adverbs. "She ran quickly" can often be replaced with a more powerful verb like "She sprinted," "She darted," or "She dashed," which conveys the speed more effectively.

It is no secret that persons with a wide vocabulary tend to excel in all areas of life because it improves one’s listening, speaking, reading and writing skills. It shows up in the interview, inter-personal communication, and written communication. Having an extensive vocabulary is a valuable asset for life that can open doors and unlock opportunities. Johnson O'Connor, a famous American researcher and educator, has found that “a person's vocabulary level is the best single predictor of occupational success in every area.”