power-words skill

---
name: power-words
description: Enhance copy with emotional trigger words from 21 psychological categories. Transform bland text into compelling, conversion-focused content.
triggers:
  - power words
  - emotional words
  - trigger words
  - make copy stronger
  - punch up
  - make more compelling
  - persuasive copy
  - convert better
allowed-tools: Read, Write, Edit, Grep, Glob, AskUserQuestion
---

# Power Words Library

Transform ordinary copy into emotionally compelling content using psychological trigger words.

## Resources

- [Word Library](resources/word-library.txt) — Complete word lists by category

## What Are Power Words?

Emotionally charged words that trigger psychological responses:
- Grab attention in crowded feeds
- Create urgency and desire
- Build trust and authority
- Drive action and conversion

## Conversation Starter

Use `AskUserQuestion`:

1. **What copy needs enhancement?** (headline, email, ad, landing page, CTA)
2. **What emotion should it evoke?** (urgency, trust, curiosity, fear, desire)
3. **What action do you want?** (click, buy, sign up, share)
4. **Current copy** — Paste the text to enhance

## The 21 Categories (Summary)

| Category | Trigger | Best For |
|----------|---------|----------|
| **Impatience** | FOMO, speed | Launches, CTAs |
| **Beauty** | Aesthetic desire | Fashion, design |
| **Lust** | Deep craving | Food, luxury |
| **Indulgence** | Permission to enjoy | Self-care, treats |
| **Excitement** | Thrill-seeking | Events, launches |
| **Novelty** | Curiosity | Content teasers |
| **Memorability** | Stand out | Personal brand |
| **Happiness** | Well-being | Wellness, community |
| **Prestige** | Status | Premium products |
| **Simplicity** | Avoid complexity | How-tos, guides |
| **Sadness** | Fear of loss | Problem-aware content |
| **Savagery** | Primal emotions | Competitive positioning |
| **Completeness** | Thoroughness | Ultimate guides |
| **Gravity** | Significance | Emphasis |
| **Greed** | Acquisition | Sales, discounts |
| **Humor** | Entertainment | Social, viral |
| **Authority** | Trust | Credibility content |
| **Exclusivity** | Insider access | Limited offers |
| **Pride** | Achievement | Success content |
| **Safety** | Security | Protection content |
| **Mind-blowing** | Amazement | Shareability |

See [resources/word-library.txt](resources/word-library.txt) for complete word lists.

## Enhancement Process

### Step 1: Identify Weakness
- Bland verbs? (get, have, make)
- Generic adjectives? (good, great, nice)
- Passive voice?
- No emotional hook?

### Step 2: Match Emotion to Goal

| Goal | Primary Category | Secondary |
|------|-----------------|-----------|
| Sales/Conversion | Greed, Urgency | Exclusivity |
| Trust/Authority | Authority | Completeness |
| Engagement | Novelty | Mind-blowing |
| Fear-based | Safety, Sadness | Savagery |
| Desire-based | Lust, Beauty | Prestige |
| FOMO | Exclusivity | Impatience |

### Step 3: Strategic Replacement

**Rule of 3:** Use 2-3 power words per headline/CTA. More feels forced.

**Placement priority:**
1. First 3 words (hook)
2. Last word (memory anchor)
3. Action word (CTA verb)

## Examples

**Impatience:**
- Before: "Get started today"
- After: "**Jumpstart** your growth today"

**Novelty:**
- Before: "New marketing tips"
- After: "**Shocking** marketing **hacks** that feel like **magic**"

**Simplicity:**
- Before: "Learn email marketing"
- After: "The **stupid-simple** email marketing **cheat-sheet**"

**Greed:**
- Before: "Get 50% off"
- After: "**Steal** this deal — **50% off** ends **today**"

**Exclusivity:**
- Before: "Marketing tips"
- After: "**Little-known** marketing **secrets** the **elite** won't **divulge**"

## Output Format

```markdown
## Power Words Enhancement

### Original Copy
> [Original text]

### Analysis
- **Current emotion:** [What it evokes now]
- **Missing:** [What emotional triggers are absent]
- **Goal:** [Desired action/emotion]

### Recommended Categories
1. **[Category]** — [Why this fits]
2. **[Category]** — [Why this fits]

### Enhanced Versions

#### Option 1: [Primary emotion focus]
> [Enhanced copy with power words **bolded**]

**Power words used:** [word] (category), [word] (category)

#### Option 2: [Alternative angle]
> [Enhanced copy]

#### Option 3: [Stronger/softer variant]
> [Enhanced copy]

### Before/After

| Element | Before | After |
|---------|--------|-------|
| Headline | [original] | [enhanced] |
| CTA | [original] | [enhanced] |

### Caution
- Don't over-season: 2-3 power words max per sentence
- Match audience tone: "Badass" doesn't fit corporate B2B
- Test variants: What resonates varies by audience
```

## What This Skill Does NOT Do

- Write copy from scratch (enhances existing copy)
- Guarantee conversion (testing required)
- Replace brand voice guidelines
- Work for highly regulated industries without compliance review