Enhancing English performance with power

Power words, or action verbs, will help make anything you write or say stronger, giving you an "active voice" instead of a "passive voice".

For candidates thinking of doing a speaking test the correct use of "power words" can wake an examiner up who may otherwise be a little sleepy. Power words have an emotional influence on the listener and convert a conversation into a more vibrant dynamic.

Also for a writing paper examiner the presence of a few power words in a paper may highlight your work above others giving you that much sought after extra grade.

People love to be inspired and the use of 'power words' certainly serves to grab them by the heart strings and get them thinking just that little bit more.

Go through any collection of speeches by famous politicians or activists and with your color pen highlight the presence of power words. Then think how you may be able to replicate such English in your papers or speaking tests.

Now using the recent tennis match between Ralph Nadal and Roger Federer at Wimbledon I'll incorporate some power words to create a more vivid context.

"The long haired left hander from Spain demonstrated his recent dominance on the world male circuit with an accomplished performance against his Swiss arch rival.

Nadal boosted his game amplifying his serve in the final fifth set to deal Federer his first finals loss at Wimbledon.

The excitement the dashing young Spaniard generated on center court was demonstrated by the continual scream of young girls every time he bent down to pick up a ball.

In the last two Grand Slams Nadal has attained the French and Wimbledon championships. He has distinguished himself in the history books.

For more examples and long lists of potential power words to use, do a Google search under "active verbs power words". Keep fighting and good luck.