Engaging the Reader: Using Positive Language to Implement an Effective Tone

Avoid words with "no" in them

HelpGram should be uplifting, energetic, and motivational in tone. They should be saturated with information that the reader can act upon. Since we aim to empower our readers to improve their lives, we want to avoid negative phrases as much as possible in our HelpGrams.

In general, avoid the following words, unless they're essential to your point:

Negative Words to Avoid

can't couldn't didn't don't never no not wasn't weren't won't wouldn't

Only use the words above if there's no other way to communicate your point. For example, don't say "not honest," say dishonest. Find words that make your "no" message as positive as possible.

Use authoritative language

Writers who use authoritative language sound more credible. In addition, authoritative language amplifies the power of your message.

Here are some examples of ways to revise equivocal language:

Revising Equivocal Language
Equivocal Words	Revisions
can	will
may	is, will
might	is, will
maybe	will
should	do
would	will, was

Use language that empowers readers

Since we aim to empower our users, we must avoid using negative language when referring to people who are dealing with difficult situations.

Always avoid the following terms in reference to people:

Negative Words & Phrases to Avoid in Reference to People

helpless hopeless need help powerless sufferers victims

Here are some ways to revise negative phrases, such as the ones listed above:

Revising Negative Language
Negative Phrases	Revisions
if you need help with a problem	if you want to improve a problem
infected with	carrying coping with dealing with harboring living with
suffering from	coping with dealing with enduring living with surviving
victim	survivor
victimized by	attacked