Welcome to Issue 69 of Writing and Other Stuff. I’m Kim Scaravelli, popping into your inbox every two weeks with fresh ideas to help you write with flair, flex your creative muscles, and build a strong brand voice. Not a subscriber yet? Let’s fix that: subscribe here.

Let me start by saying that this puppy is 🩷ADORABLE. And feather boas ROCK.

I didn’t choose this photo to make fun of the pup OR the pink boa! But let’s be honest... This is a photo of a creature who looks a little awkward and out of place.

So here’s my question for you: Do the words you use to describe yourself, your skills, and your services feel comfortable? Or do you sometimes feel a bit like that puppy in a boa?

For example, here are 3 words I see all the time on websites, in email marketing, and on social media: ELEVATE, TRANSFORM, and UNLEASH.

Now, if you commonly use those words - cool! Keep on keeping on.

But if you're like me, you've probably never told someone you could help them elevate, transform, or unleash anything.

Sprinkled here and there, it's not a big deal. But when those feather-boa words take centre stage, you can end up feeling like you don't FIT into your own brand.

Instead of trying to wear words that feel uncomfortable, find ones that fit you better!

Cool quote

"The words you speak become the house you live in."

Hafiz, 14th-century poet and philosopher

Swap those feather-boas for comfy sweaters!

A feather-boa grabs attention, sure.

But let’s be real - it gets old fast. And most buzzwords aren’t as magnetic as you think. I mean... 🙄 Does the word TRANSFORM make your heart flutter?

A smarter, long-term strategy is to find words that sound like YOU. Things you'd actually say to another human during a conversation.

For example, based on my personality and the way I talk:

Elevate → ✨level up, take it up a notch, shake it up, or polish. (Or go super clear and simple, and just say improve.)
Transform → ✨freshen up, revamp, make over, or flip. (Or stay basic and say change.)
Unleash → ✨Gotta admit, I like this one. It’s fun! But I’m more likely to say let loose, go for it, let ’er rip, or make the magic happen!

Now It's YOUR Turn!

Here are a few buzzwords and phrases that frequently show up on Services pages and About pages for entrepreneurs, experts (like coaches and consultants), and other professionals:

Innovative
Customized
Holistic
Collaborative
Results-driven
Client-centered

I don't know about you, but I NEVER use these words in real life!

When you have a minute, pour a coffee. Or a tea. Or maybe a glass of wine. No judgement.

Now imagine that you're talking to someone. 😂You're probably NOT telling them how HOLISTIC you are. So what are you saying instead?

🏆Your goal is to ponder each term and find at least five words or phrases that FIT you better!

Stuff Worth Sharing

If you send out a newsletter, your email platform matters a LOT. Trust me on this.

I lost 90% of my followers in a bot attack because of security issues with my first platform. It was devastating. 😢

That’s when I switched to ConvertKit (now rebranded as KIT), and I’ve never looked back. The templates are fantastic, the analytics are clear, and they have some great tools to help build your subscriber base.

Yes, there’s a learning curve, but it’s worth it.

💥FYI: In January, I’m launching a FREE course using KIT as my delivery platform - something I’d never have considered on my old setup.

If you’re thinking about starting a newsletter, check them out!

P.S. This is an affiliate link, so I’ll get paid if you sign up via this link.(Not sure how much). But honestly, I’d recommend KIT even without the incentive.

For the Word Nerds

Looking for a LABEL for those familiar, unpretentious words and phrases you just came up with?

They're called comfort words. Think of them as the linguistic equivalent of your favourite sweater - relaxed, appealing, and perfectly suited to you.

Comfort words feel EASY and REAL, which helps you communicate with clarity and confidence.

📣When it comes to your professional voice... Think MORE comfy sweaters. LESS feather-boas!

Thanks for reading. I'm not sending out a newsletter on December 25th, so the next time I land in your inbox will be 🥳 January 1st!

I know it's a holiday, but honestly... I love the idea of kickstarting 2025 by pouring a hot cuppa coffee, eating leftover chocolates, and writing my newsletter.

Between now and then:

🎁 If you're looking for holiday gift ideas, check out Making Words Work. Books are easy to wrap - and even easier to download!

👋 And if you want to talk about making your brand voice both REAL and POWERFUL: Book a free 30-minute chat.