The University of Illinois has a vocabulary test of just 29 specific words. They found that the results of this simple test could very accurately predict how successful a student would be throughout their academic career at the University.

In business, too, there are certain powerful vocabulary words that are not only an good indicator of how far an employee will rise in the ranks but also, if learned, can directly help you climb your career ladder - as high as you desire!

Specific business situations where these powerful vocabulary words can make a real difference to your career include:

Your resume - this is a big one! The words you use on your resume will make the difference between that longed-for job offer, and being tossed into the trash can.

Business presentations - when you confidently use business power words in your presentations you will be perceived as more intelligent, more competent and a better communicator.

Written communication. The business world is spawning a huge proliferation of hastily composed emails and electronic documents thrown together with little thought. The good news is that with your new, powerful vocabulary, it will be easy for you to stand out from the crowd as a great communicator.

Meetings (especially when your boss is present!) - You'd be surprised how little you need to say in a high-powered meeting to make a very big positive impression. Even if you sit quietly for an hour, absorbing all that is being said, if you can then speak up just for a few seconds with some insight, summary or call to action, you can suddenly make yourself seem like the most intelligent, knowledgeable and competent person in the room.

Powerful vocabulary words are often verbs - powerful action words. Here is a key list of powerful verbs that you should be using in your everyday business life to get an edge:

Analyzed

Applied

Audited

Authored

Built

Collaborated

Consulted

Counseled

Created

Delivered

Demonstrated

Developed

Drove

Educated

Enhanced

Escalated

Established

Evaluated

Facilitated

Formatted

Generated

Impacted

Implemented

Increased

Integrated

Justified

Maintained

Mentored

Negotiated

Prepared

Presented

Processed

Programmed

Prospected

Reported

Researched

Retained

Reviewed

Revitalized

Supported

Taught

Troubleshot

Tutored

Verified

Although none of these words are new to you, chances are you don't think of using them nearly as often as you could. As you work on incorporating these words into your every day vocabulary you will begin to see a real difference in how people relate to you in professional settings.

Once you start using these words confidently in your conversation, presentations and written communication, you will be amazed at how quickly you will begin to be perceived as a dynamic, creative leader.

Marc Slater is an e-learning and vocabulary building expert. Marc is the Director of eReflect Software - a highly successful e-learning software company. eReflect provides a free vocabulary building course located at Improve my Vocabulary http://www.improvingvocabulary.org/