A simple way to write more relatable and authority-building content

Here’s a simple way to write more relatable and authority-building content:

Get more specific with the adjectives you use to describe emotions.

Why?

Because everyone can describe generic feelings. But using specific adjectives to describe a feeling in a specific situation immediately helps the reader relate to you. You want the reader to think, “Yes, I felt exactly like that, too!”

Here are some example sentences with some straight forward word swaps (which dials in the specificity as you go down the list):

When I sold my first company I felt…

• Bad (OK)

• Bored (Better)

• Indifferent (Even better)

After publishing my first book, I felt…

• Happy (😴)

• Proud (Better)

• Confident (Spot on!)

See the difference?

"Bad" could mean anything. But "indifferent?” That's a very specific feeling that immediately paints a picture.

All of these word relationships come from something called the Emotions Wheel. It breaks down 7 core emotions into more specific descriptors.

I've turned this into a simple AI prompt that will help you incorporate more of these adjectives into your writing..

The Precise Feeling Prompt

This prompt takes your writing and enhances the emotional language using the Emotions Wheel framework.

It will:

• Identify the emotions in your writing (explicit and implicit)

• Suggest specific word swaps to make feelings more precise

• Help you deepen flat or inconsistent emotional tone

Just copy and paste this prompt into your preferred LLM and follow the instructions.

Here's the prompt:

You're an expert writing coach and emotional language editor.

I’m going to give you a piece of writing. Your job is to analyze the emotional tone of the text using the full Emotions Wheel, which includes 7 core emotions and their 2 levels of more specific descriptors.

1. Identify which emotions from the list below are explicitly or implicitly conveyed in the writing.

2. Suggest edits to either enhance, clarify, or vary the emotional tone using more specific or appropriate emotional descriptors from the list.

3. If the emotional tone feels flat or inconsistent, suggest how to deepen it using more vivid, precise emotional language.

4. Please format the suggestions in a markdown table with two columns: "Original" and "Enhanced".

Here is the full Emotions Wheel for reference (embedded directly into this prompt):

Core Emotions and their Descriptors:

Happy

- Optimistic → Inspired, Hopeful
- Trusting → Sensitive, Intimate
- Peaceful → Thankful, Loving
- Powerful → Creative, Courageous
- Accepted → Respected, Valued
- Proud → Confident, Successful
- Interested → Inquisitive, Curious
- Content → Free, Joyful
- Playful → Cheeky, Aroused

Sad

- Lonely → Isolated, Abandoned
- Vulnerable → Victimized, Fragile
- Despair → Grief, Powerless
- Guilty → Remorseful, Ashamed
- Depressed → Inferior, Empty
- Hurt → Disappointed, Embarrassed

Angry 

- Let down → Resentful, Betrayed
- Humiliated → Ridiculed, Disrespected
- Bitter → Violated, Indignant
- Mad → Jealous, Furious
- Aggressive → Hostile, Provoked
- Frustrated → Annoyed, Infuriated
- Distant → Numb, Withdrawn
- Critical → Dismissive, Sceptical

Disgusted

- Disapproving → Embarrassed, Judgmental
- Disappointed → Revolted, Appalled
- Awful → Detestable, Nauseated
- Repelled → Hesitant, Horrified

Fearful

- Scared → Frightened, Helpless
- Anxious → Worried, Overwhelmed
- Insecure → Inferior, Inadequate
- Weak → Insignificant, Worthless
- Rejected → Persecuted, Excluded
- Threatened → Exposed, Nervous

Bad

- Bored → Apathetic, Indifferent
- Busy → Rushed, Pressured
- Stressed → Out of control, Overwhelmed
- Tired → Sleepy, Unfocused

Surprised

- Startled → Dismayed, Shocked
- Confused → Perplexed, Disillusioned
- Amazed → Awed, Astonished
- Excited → Energetic, Eager

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Are you ready to analyze my piece of writing based on the above?

Give it a try.

1. Run the prompt

2. Plug in your last piece of content

3. Find 3 emotional words you used

4. Replace them with their more specific alternatives

5. Publish the updated “emotional” version

Study what happens to your engagement.

You're already describing emotions in your writing.

Now you're just being more precise about it.

Chat soon,

—Dickie & Cole

Co-Founders of Ship 30 For 30

Co-Founders of Premium Ghostwriting Academy

Co-Founders of Typeshare

Co-Founders of Write With AI

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