Automated Detection and Analysis of Power Words in Persuasive Text Using Natural Language Processing

TL;DR

This paper introduces a method using NLP to automatically detect and analyze power words in persuasive texts, aiding content creators in understanding and enhancing emotional impact.

Contribution

It presents a novel Python tool and a custom lexicon for identifying power words, along with an analysis framework applied to diverse datasets.

Findings

Power words significantly influence sentiment and engagement.

The Text Monger effectively identifies power words across different text types.

Analysis reveals domain-specific usage patterns of power words.

Abstract

Power words are terms that evoke strong emotional responses and significantly influence readers' behavior, playing a crucial role in fields like marketing, politics, and motivational writing. This study proposes a methodology for the automated detection and analysis of power words in persuasive text using a custom lexicon created from a comprehensive dataset scraped from online sources. A specialized Python package, The Text Monger, is created and employed to identify the presence and frequency of power words within a given text. By analyzing diverse datasets, including fictional excerpts, speeches, and marketing materials,the aim is to classify and assess the impact of power words on sentiment and reader engagement. The findings provide valuable insights into the effectiveness of power words across various domains, offering practical applications for content creators, advertisers, and policymakers looking to enhance their messaging and engagement strategies.