The media recently praised Bush for his new clearer definition of the enemy. His language identifies radical Islam as the threat to the U.S. and he no longer uses the broad term of a terrorist threat.
Why is this significant? Terrorists or terrorism is a generality. And there is no power in generalities. The power is in specific language.
Language is perceived through our filters of experience, knowledge, assumptions, and biases.
A terrorist is defined differently depending on perception.
It's difficult for prospects to buy when products or benefits are broad. When the scope is narrowed people can better understand what the seller is offering and how they will benefit. When prospecting for business, it's easier to find leads when targeting a specific industry or professional level. It's the difference between targeting to anybody who gives a presentation vs. targeting lawyers who need to convince a jury.
If you go to Starbucks and ask for "Coffee, regular" you may get a blank stare. But if you say, "A tall decaf coffee with milk" your specific language will give you the desired result. To be a powerful communicator use specific language.