There are some words that initially sound good when you write them. They're words that make you sound bigger, faster, smarter, or more appealing to your customers, prospects, and audience

Unfortunately, everyone else has exactly the same idea in mind and as a result, we end up with tired words, words that are overused, and no place is this more common than in the press release.

In partnership with Marketwire, Shift Communications sampled 5,000 press releases from 2012 to find the most overused words. Take a look and share the graphic with your fellow communications professionals so we can start to use different words next year.

Please note that just because a word is on this list doesn't mean you shouldn't ever use it, just use it more sparingly. Just as you don't need to dump five pounds of garlic on a plate of spaghetti, not every press release has to be about your leading solutions and forward-thinking global company that's well positioned for growth and performance.



Christopher S. Penn is the vice president of marketing technology at Shift Communications.