Are the words you’re using in your course unintentionally pushing students away?
The words you choose in your course aren’t just about communication—they set the tone for the entire student experience. Some common terms might seem harmless, but they could make your course feel like a chore, reduce engagement, or even lower its perceived value.

In this blog, I’ll share 7 words you should NEVER use in your course and the powerful alternatives that will make your course feel exciting, engaging, and truly transformational. Plus, stick around for actionable tips to help your students stay motivated and love the experience you’ve created.

1. Course Content

• Why Avoid It: "Course content" sounds generic and uninspiring. It doesn’t highlight the value or journey you’re offering.
• What to Say Instead: Use terms like:
• "Training Modules"
• "Success Framework"
• "Blueprint for Results"
• Pro Tip: Words like "Roadmap" or "Pathway" signal progress and make students feel like they’re achieving something tangible.

2. Customer

• Why Avoid It: "Customer" feels transactional and doesn’t reflect the transformational journey your students are on.
• What to Say Instead:
• "Participant"
• "Member"
• "Trailblazer" (or a branded term that aligns with your program).
• Actionable Tip: Build a sense of belonging by referring to your students as part of a community or movement.

3. Subscription/Membership

• Why Avoid It: These terms can remind people of recurring bills and fail to emphasize the value they’re getting.
• What to Say Instead:
• "Inner Circle"
• "VIP Access"
• "Exclusive Network"
• Pro Tip: Focus on the exclusivity and benefits of being part of your program.

4. Video

• Why Avoid It: "Video" feels passive and doesn’t convey the interactive, engaging nature of your material.
• What to Say Instead:
• "Training"
• "Workshop"
• "Session"
• Pro Tip: Use action-oriented language to emphasize results and progress.

5. Course

• Why Avoid It: While the term "course" is common for creators, it might remind students of boring school days or feel too formal.
• What to Say Instead:
• "Program"
• "Bootcamp"
• "Academy"
• Actionable Tip: Reframe your course as a transformational experience. For example, "The [Your Niche] Success Journey" feels more exciting than "The [Niche] Course."

6. Workbook

• Why Avoid It: "Workbook" feels like busywork and lacks the sense of practicality students crave.
• What to Say Instead:
• "Toolkit"
• "Action Plan"
• "Resource Pack"
• Pro Tip: Highlight how your materials are designed to drive real-world application and results.

7. Homework

• Why Avoid It: Nobody liked homework in school, and it still feels like a chore.
• What to Say Instead:
• "Action Steps"
• "Your Next Move"
• "Implementation Plan"
• Pro Tip: Frame these tasks as opportunities to see tangible progress and connect them directly to outcomes.

Your course is more than just lessons—it’s a transformational experience. By rethinking the language you use, you can create an exciting, engaging, and valuable program that your students will love.

Choose words that inspire and energize your students. With small tweaks, you can make a big difference in how they perceive your program—and their likelihood of achieving results.

Ready to take your course to the next level? Watch the full video above and download The Course Creator’s Toolkit for actionable tips to elevate your program!