Don’t Underestimate the Power of Verbs in Communication

Words matter, and they matter a lot. As Mark Twain purportedly once said, “The difference between the right word and the almost right word is the difference between a lightning bolt and a lightning bug.” So, I read with interest a post on X (formerly known as Twitter) by @Simons, whose name is Simon Ingari, a career counselor. Here are some of his suggestions on verb usage as a driver of interest and persuasion in résumés, though his advice can be applied to most professional communication. As you read, ask yourself why one word works better than the other.

Use vs. Don’t Use

Delete “Responsible for”: This is way too passive, as with “Responsible for managing team.” Hit the snooze button, and roll over for some more shut-eye. Try this instead: “Led high-performance team of six, driving 25% productivity increase.”

Delete “Duties included”: Résumés should use dynamic, not static, phrasing. The phrase “duties included” portends the ho-hum, as with “Duties included customer service.” Try this instead: “Redesigned customer engagement strategy, increasing retention by 22%.” See the difference? The first is a hollow conclusion. By contrast, the second is a concrete illustration.

Delete “Helped”: Talk about a wishy-washy verb! The point is invisible, as with “Helped improve sales process.” Use a power verb instead, like “Transformed sales methodology, resulting in 40% quarterly growth.” Be pointed, and you’ll be memorable.

Bottom Line

Here’s Ingari’s point: Every sentence or word in a résumé should show your “value.” If you used abstract words, replace them with concrete concepts. I know some believe it’s unseemly to praise yourself, but this belief is an outdated relic of childhood or cultural influences. Always take your best shot!

Michael P. Maslanka is a professor at the UNT-Dallas College of Law. You can reach him at michael.maslanka@untdallas.edu.

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