The one where the Expresso Secret kicks the weakling verbs to the curb

Want to add irresistible flavour to your writing? Brew the right verbs to captivate your reader's attention.

Give your writing the kiss of life.

Want your stories to jump off the page?

Want your words to be a deadly weapon or shot of Expresso?

Or do you prefer gentle and smooth communication like a milky Cappuccino?

Good news! You can be a killer and/or a poet by brewing the right verbs.

“If you can think, and speak, and write, you are absolutely deadly.” — Jordan Peterson

Want to paint vivid pictures with words?

Draw the reader into your stories with strong verbs and (some) enchanting adjectives to breathe life into your narrative.

Go easy on the adjectives. Like adding sugar or milk, they weaken the flavour of your Expresso (your message).

Pour the Expresso technique into your writing

The Expresso technique uses strong and expressive verbs to describe people, actions or events.

How to order a Cappucino or Expresso for your readers

CAPPUCCINO: A profound and entertaining book

VS

EXPRESSO: A book you can’t put down or stop talking about.

CAPPUCCINO: It might not seem like a good idea, but it is probably not in good taste to put too much sugar in your loved one’s coffee.

VS

EXPRESSO: It would be in poor taste to pour that much sugar into your loved one’s coffee.

CAPPUCCINO: You’ll look stunningly gorgeous and stylish in your new wardrobe.

EXPRESSO: With your new wardrobe, you’ll turn heads and make fellow fashionistas (Fiona) green with envy.

CAPPUCCINO: He accidentally cut his finger while chopping onions.

VS

EXPRESSO: He accidentally slashed his finger while chopping onions.

Vocalise vibrant verbs in your writing

Want to add flavour to your writing? The secret sauce is to learn how to make your online writing effective (clarity over cleverness).

We could talk about this topic for hours, but today’s lesson is about verbs.

You need to…

… Brew the right verbs to absorb your reader’s attention (you can offer a shot of Expresso to jolt your reader awake or a comforting Cappuccino with foam to soften your message).

Shot of Expresso = Strong, active verbs.

Comforting Cappuccino = Weak, wimpy and passive verbs.

Note: There’s no obligation to give your readers a shot of Expresso if you prefer to offer a comforting Cappuccino.

But in the digital landscape (online), it’s best to use strong verbs to keep things moving. It’s one of the ways to keep readers scrolling down.

Distil and share what feels right to you (but if you want to elicit a reaction, then down an Expresso or two and dazzle with action-based language).

Force yourself to formulate your sentences with logic and brevity, too.

“Keep it simple, Sunshine!” — Ellie Kingswell

Capture the action in your stories

Start using the active voice to encourage your readers to stay awake or take action now (ditch the passive voice).

“Staying active; it’s good for your Grandma’s heart and great for your copy.” — Marie Forleo

What do I mean by the active voice?

• Verbs are your best friend regarding the active voice and passive voice.
• The active voice is stronger and uses fewer words (bingo!).
• The active voice is direct, confident, clear, and has more punch (like Rocky Balboa).
• The passive voice is weaker, less direct, and a bit of a coward (like Scooby-Doo). While it’s not incorrect, it can slow down your message.
• Strike a balance by discerning when it’s appropriate to use the active or passive voice (you don’t want to overdo it).

Kick the wimpy verbs to the curb and adopt the Expresso technique to make your writing memorable and bingeworthy.

Final thoughts

You hold the pen to move mountains or inspire your readers to make on-the-spot decisions with gentle whispers as you stir their compulsion to press on with reading your words.

Like this micro lesson? Leave 50 claps and a comment.

• 👏 Clap the article to show your appreciation.
• 🥷 Share a comment. Help me flex my Word Ninja muscles. Hai!
• 🔔 Follow me on Medium for more tips and tricks.

Source: Marie Forleo shared the term “Expresso Secret” in the Copy Cure, but the translation of her concept and “Comforting Cappuccino” is my own.