Edited to add:

Her Royal Sweetness Lisa Burger realized what a pain it is to scroll through this long-ass list and kindly whipped up a lovely document that you can use as your very own swipe file. Now ain’t that sweet! Get it here.

Words aren’t just strings of alphabets sewn together with ink

Words are cues

Words are triggers

Words when used correctly can transform an “eh whatever” into “wow that’s it!”

Words can make you go from literally ROFL to fuming with fury to an uncontrollable-urge-to-take-action-NOW-or-the-earth-may-stop-swinging -on-its-axis.

These are what I call High Emotion Words

And these are capable of transforming an absolute no into almost yes and a “perhaps” into “for sure”!

Because it isn’t really about your desired action but the underlying emotion that drives that action. If you get them to feel that emotion, you GOT ‘em.

When you are trying to sell people a solution, what you are REALLY doing is evoking desire by making them imagine their best possible future with your solution

When you are trying to get them to take an action (like, share, subscribe, buy) what you are REALLY doing is arousing them (not THAT way… get your mind out of the gutter) to make it impossible for them NOT to take an action

When you are trying to get people to click and read your article, what you are REALLY doing is evoking curiosity so fierce that it claws at the minds of a casual browser and forces him to click that link and read that piece.

When you are trying to get someone to agree with you, what you are REALLY doing is trying to evoke empathy so they see your point of view.

So what are these high emotion words that can work this magic?

Glad you asked.

I have compiled a list of 380 words that are proven to induce certain emotions (both negative and positive) and that I strongly encourage you use in your online (and offline) communications to get your prospect to take the desired action.

But before I share the list with you, here is a 3 step plan to get the most out of these words:

Step One: Determine the desired action you want your prospect to take (e.g. like, share, read, subscribe, comment, buy etc.)

Step Two: Determine the exact emotional state that will drive that action (e.g. curious, relaxed, fearful, inspired etc.)

Step Three: Choose some of the words from this list and sprinkle ‘em throughout your content.

And now The List:

Emotional State: Curiosity (when you want them to be gripped by an unshakable desire to click and read more):

Secret

Confidential

Controversial

Underground

What no one tells you

Have you heard

Cover-up

Forbidden

Banned

Behind the Scenes

Secret agenda

Secret plot

Insider

Off-the record

Blacklisted

Censored

Concealed

Confessions

Unbelievable

Covert

No one talks about

Hidden

underground

Insider's Scoop

Intel

Emotional State: Urgency (If you want then to take action now now now):

Magical

Instantly

Missing Out

Left behind

Magnificent

Miracle

Most Important

Profitable

Proven

Quick

Remarkable

Results

Revolutionary

Safe

Save

Sensational

Should

Startling

Strongly agree/ recommend

Strongly suggest

Superb

Superior

Tremendous

Truly

Trustworthy

Urge

Worthwhile

Deadline

Limited

Seize

bargain

Discount

Explode

Extra

Fortune

Freebie

Jackpot

Reduced

Instant Savings

Skyrocket

Immediately

Imminently

Emotional State: Confusion and Helplessness (Especially useful when questioning Status Quo, making them realize what they are missing out or “us vs them” style content)

doubtful

uncertain

indecisive

perplexed

embarrassed

hesitant

disillusioned

distrustful

misgiving

unsure

tense

stressed

uncomfortable

dishonest

disdainful

manipulative

judgmental

argumentative

authoritative

condescending

distracted

disoriented

off-kilter

frenzied

blushing

awkward

incapable

paralyzed

fatigued

inferior

vulnerable

distressed

pathetic

distraught

doomed

overwhelmed

incompetent

incapacitated

trapped

squirming

jittery

woozy

twitching

compulsive

uncaring

uninterested

unresponsive

terrified

suspicious

anxious

alarmed

panicked

threatened

cowardly

insecure

Deceived

Helplessness

Disempowered

Emotional State: Anger (This is a high physiological arousal emotional state that can help drive a number of actions such as getting support for a cause or sharing content because of the sheer outrage felt)

Ordeal

Outrageousness

Provoke

Repulsive

Scandal

Severe

Shameful

Shocking

Terrible

Tragic

Unreliable

Unstable

Wicked

Aggravate

Agony

Appalled

Atrocious

Corrupting

Damaging

Deplorable

Disadvantages

Disastrous

Disgusted

Dreadful

Eliminate

Harmful

Harsh

Inconsiderate

enraged

offensive

aggressive

frustrated

controlling

resentful

malicious

infuriated

critical

violent

vindictive

sadistic

spiteful

furious

agitated

antagonistic

repulsed

quarrelsome

venomous

rebellious

exasperated

impatient

contrary

condemning

seething

scornful

sarcastic

poisonous

jealous

ticked off

revengeful

retaliating

reprimanding

powerless

despicable

self-hating

desperate

alienated

pessimistic

dejected

vilified

unjustified

violated

Emotional State: Safe and Satisfied (Great for Sales Pages when you want people to feel secure in their choice)

Accurate

instantly

Advantage

Always

A cut above

Bargain

Certain

Certainly

Confident

Convenient

Definitely

Delighted

Easy

Ecstatic

Effective

Emphasize

Extremely

Freedom

Guaranteed

Highly effective/ likely

Introducing

First ever

Investment

conscientious

approving

honored

privileged

adaptable

relaxed

Astonishing

Astounded

assured

fulfilled

genuine

authentic

self-sufficient

reliable

sure

secure

stable

honest

truthful

supportive

excellent

responsible

solid

trusting

supported

Absolutely

Bargain

clarity

transparency

humility

Emotional State: Happy and Alive (Health based products or services):

blissful

joyous

delighted

overjoyed

gleeful

thankful

festive

ecstatic

satisfied

cheerful

sunny

elated

jubilant

jovial

fun-loving

lighthearted

glorious

innocent

child-like

gratified

euphoric

on top of the

world

playful

courageous

energetic

liberated

optimistic

frisky

animated

spirited

thrilled

wonderful

funny

intelligent

exhilarated

spunky

youthful

vigorous

tickled

creative

constructive

helpful

resourceful

at ease

comfortable

pleased

encouraged

surprised

content

serene

bright

blessed

Vibrant

Bountiful

Glowing

Emotional State: Inspired (as part of content that is meant to inspire and make them feel like they are capable and in charge)

motivated

eager

keen

earnest

inspired

enthusiastic

bold

brave

daring

hopeful

upbeat

assured

clear

balanced

fine

okay

grateful

carefree

adequate

fulfilled

genuine

authentic

forgiving

sincere

uplifted

unburdened

confident

self-sufficient

reliable

sure

unique

dynamic

tenacious

cooperative

productive

exuberant

in the zone

responsive

conscientious

approving

honored

privileged

adaptable

Empowered

Focused

Capable

Emotional State: Relaxed and Peaceful (Products or services that offer mental peace and relaxation):

calm

at ease

comfortable

content

quiet

certain

relaxed

serene

bright

blessed

balanced

grateful

carefree

fulfilled

genuine

authentic

forgiving

sincere

uplifted

unburdened

confident

self-sufficient

glowing

radiant

beaming

reflective

smiling

grounded

unhurried

open-minded

efficient

non-controlling

unassuming

trusting

supported

fluid

light

spontaneous

aware

healthy

meditative

still

rested

waiting

laughing

graceful

natural

steady

centered

placid

Clear

Stoic

Aligned

phewwwww that was one long ass list don’t you think?

But how about we make it to 500. Now that’s a thought!

Help make that happen guys and drop some of your favorite high emotion words in the comments and I will go and add those to this list (with credit of course)

Ready. Set. GO!

Edited to Add:

I literally have the BEST readers ever and the the ever generous & awesome (Not to mention with the coolest name Eva!) Jo Jo Fildi has contributed some 20+ words making it a square 400. I have added those above colored in blue.

Sources:

The Work of Byron Katie

Persuasive and Emotive Language