Dynamic Verbs / Action Verbs
Use Dynamic or Action Verbs to give your communication impact. The words ‘dynamic’ or ‘action’ denote a sense of activity rather than passivity.
At school I learned that verbs were the ‘doing words’ but many of them are passive, generic and only allow the recipient a vague understanding of the message.
For example if you said you were ‘working’ on something – I would have no actual idea what you were doing. Whereas, if you had said you were ‘writing a procedures manual’, even if I didn’t know exactly which procedures I would already be able to imagine you doing this. Learn to use dynamic verbs and your communication will improve immediately.
Dynamic Verbs are invaluable in CV writing because they help you describe what you have done clearly.
When you use these verbs effectively you will be able to recognise the true breadth and specific nature of your specific skills. You will also create greater engagement with others because your language will be less repetitive, more interesting and provoke imagery at a subconscious level.
A picture is worth a thousand words
On a very simplistic level this works because our sub-conscious creates imagery and integrates both left and right hemispheres of the brain.
This means that your message becomes experiential for the recipient who logically sees or hears the words (important in a CV for example) but also gets a subconscious visual of what you can do. This also engages them on an emotional level as they imagine how your action might effect them.
I commonly hear people say things like:
- ‘I can see how you could help’,
- ‘I could see … fitting in well with the team’ or,
- ‘I can really see myself living here’.
If you recognise any of these statements (or something similar) what emotions do they evoke for you?
Understanding dynamic verbs
Communication is one of the fundamental skills we, as social beings, have developed. Even if your usual method of interacting with others is limited you will find other ways of making contact. For example we have written language, sign language, body language, braille, creative expression etc.
When I ask my clients to describe their skills they usually include ‘communication’ but then cannot easily go into further detail – so I have to ask ‘what makes you a good communicator?’ and they start to go into more descriptive language which I can then follow.
Follow the link:
https://truecolourscoaching.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Dynamic-Verbs.pdf
… see how many different words you can find to describe the different actions you take when initiating communication of any kind.
Using Dynamic Verbs
As I have said above we use a myriad of verbs in order to communicate. There are some specific times when it is especially important to take the time to understand the nuance of what you are wanting to get across so you can find exactly the right word.
Here are a few examples (in no particular order or importance):
- For anyone who is facing a change or transition like redundancy or career change, it is difficult to start the process of self- awareness but using the list above will help.
- When writing a CV it is vital that you tell the reader exactly what you have done.
- It is really useful to think about these verbs when you are asked to fill in an annual appraisal because they will help you remember.
- For anyone who might want to make a career change, being able to see clearly for yourself what you enjoy doing is a great starting point.
- Listing and analysing your achievements so you can accurately describe the steps you took.
For more information please contact me or subscribe to keep up to date with new articles, information and offers.