14 Ways Geniuses Use the Power of Words

Geniuses use everyday items in unexpected ways, transforming ordinary items into something extraordinary.

Something as ordinary as language — that medium we use to connect with others everyday — are elevated to convey ideas, to establish rapport, to inspire and generate energy.

So, I decided to write a series of articles on the power of words, the way geniuses use them so the rest of us could benefit.

I have finally gone ahead and created one collective post with highlights and links so you don’t have to hunt and peck.

1. The Power of Words

In this first post, I wrote about a video and a message that has garnered over 23 million views worldwide with over 138,000 comments.

In recognition of this amazing usage of language, I was inspired to write this first post for the Power of Words series. I wrote:

“As ad legend David Ogilvy said, ‘Don’t bunt. Aim out of the ball park. Aim for the company of immortals.’ One shortcut is finding pieces that move YOU. Collect them. Study them. Ask yourself what about them inspires you. Get very passionate.

“Soon enough, you’ll surprise yourself and start crafting your own inspirations that others will want to copy.”

2. Speaking with Authority

Speaking with authority can crush small thinking and average approaches.

As I wrote in this post, “Stop blaming words. That just doesn’t fly anymore.

“Words aren’t to blame for a failure to communicate, any more than the sneakers in an Olympic marathon caused the runner to win or lose. Or the bat caused the winning home run. No. It’s how the originator of those words uses them which gives them power — or leaves them as ineffective as a Speedo on a Sumo wrestler. It’s how they’re used or how they’re shown.”

3. Words That Transport You

What if some beautifully arranged words were told in a way that transported to another time and place. See how this genius achieved this exact result.

4. Words That Sell

This real-world example of how a small change can an enormous difference in sales.

5. Using Words to Inspire and Unite

Following an amazing Super Bowl ad entitled “So God Made a Farmer” for Dodge RAM, I decided to emulate it with a spinoff which was featured on Fast Company.

In short, this script celebrated designers in a similar way.

As I’d written for Fast Company, “Good designers are hard to come by—and they bust their asses to get good solutions embraced by clients (whether it’s a poster, package design, or fashion)…. So I was determined to figure out what could be said about fellow designers that would recognize and validate the work and efforts of those who have this calling? You know, like farmers…?”

Read the script and see the video here.

6. How to Outsmart Stupid Ideas (and put them in their rightful place)

Inspiring others to action. Selling. Persuading. Breaking down walls. Converting. Restoring hope.

Results that words can (and should) achieve.

Remember, “I have a dream…” — why do Martin Luther King’s words cut like a knife into the hearts and minds of everyone who’s ever heard them? Those words left an indelible mark on a new generation of minds and hearts.

Or Steve Jobs commencement speech? Or Simon Sinek’s TED talk on “Start with why”?

It’s important to know why, and how, words can change minds and empower people. This post gives you an amazing video with a short exercise you can do for yourself or your brand.

7. How a 10-year-old Boy Saved the World

By now, you’ve probably heard of Kid President whose overriding message is “Let’s make the world awesome.”

His message and use of words work because it’s 1) simple and 2) inclusive. His messages and brand of genius cheer each of us on to reach in and unleash our inner goodness. That simplicity and approach is its genius.

8. Words. Their Meaning. Their impact.

Words to me are like ingredients in a recipe.

In the hands of a master chef, ordinary food becomes a masterpiece of deliciousness than in the hands of someone less skilled.

So when I ran across this video by the late great Red Skelton, it transformed something I’d previously heard over 1,000 times, yet after this video, I would say I probably heard it truly for the first time.

The remaining 6 of the 14 can be found here since it appears I maxed out Medium’s limit for number of words (really, nothing more could be imported — ;-( )….