So far we've discussed the mindset necessary to improve writing by using better words. Following are specific things you can work on to improve your word choice.

Make an impression.
o    Choose concrete over abstract. Choose specific over general. He wept as he saw the torn flag amidst the rubble is better than He was sad about the ruined flag after the building was destroyed. The first sentence shows a specific action (He wept), a specific flag irregularity (torn flag), and a specific building (the rubble). It is something the reader can visualize. The second sentence tells us about an abstract state (He was sad), a flag with something wrong with it (ruined flag) and a building that no longer exists (destroyed). One is concrete and specific. The other is abstract and general.

o    Appeal to sensory images. This is an extension of the above. Show the reader with images. Don't limit yourself to visual detail. There are four other senses that work just as well.
o    Choose verbs. Strong verbs have a greater impact than any other part of speech. Don't just make an attempt to make your writing better. Attempt to write better.