Do you always face the problem of not being able to articulate your opinions to others? Have you been trying to become more articulate so to gain better attention? The best thing one needs to be more articulate is confidence in their speech and clarity on the topic of discussion.
Being articulate gives people the impression of you having a solid, well-educated and cultured mind. It will make people more likely to listen and respect your intelligence. Whether you're giving a presentation or trying to tell your best friends a funny story, if you become more articulate by putting in some extra efforts in thinking before you speak and in being more clear and concise on a regular basis, you will surely become the most articulate person in no time.
#1. Know What You Are Talking About
Before you plan on becoming more articulate, just know what the point of discussion is. Speak on matters on which you are very clear and are able to bring out that clarity in front of other people. Speaking with a desire to add something or get your voice heard will not add to your level of articulateness. Let others take the center stage when it’s time for expertise in their field; you can wait until a discussion of your interest or fields comes up. Do your research thoroughly and know the alternative perspectives. When you try to become more articulate it is important that you have the will to stop sharing your knowledge at a time when you start diverting from the original point of discussion. If you are not sure of your subject but have to still speak on it, then an extensive research will help you sound like you know it right.
#2. Think Before You Speak
If you plan on becoming more articulate, thinking before you utter anything will help you in eliminating the verbal pauses and may also prevent you from saying something that does not make sense. It is absolutely fine if this process slows you down a bit. In fact, pausing before you give a real answer will make you look more thoughtful and intelligent than someone who keeps blabbering continuously without giving the audience a little time to grasp his speech. If someone asks you about a specific thing that you aren’t sure of then ask them to come back to you in a while until you prepare yourself on that topic.
#3. Increase Your Vocabulary
For becoming better at articulation, one should use a variety of words that mean that same thing, are synonyms, creates more interest and add colors to your speech. For better understanding, the words you read, always consult a dictionary or thesaurus. The best way to expand your vocabulary is to read, read, and read as much as possible. Synonyms can be very helpful, but you need to make sure that you use them correctly instead of using them only because you find it impressive and it is available in the dictionary. To learn new words quickly and easily, you can create vocabulary flashcards and quiz yourself. You can also make a goal of learning ten new words a week.
#4. Skip The Slang Words
Shun slang and contractions when you articulate your thoughts in the presence of a serious audience. Avoid using hi, use hello, instead of yeah, use yes. Never use huh, uh-huh unless when you are narrating a story or event. Whenever you are giving a formal or even semi-formal presentation, it's important that you use intelligent, full and real words. Avoid contractions (say "I cannot" instead of "I can't"). Try to speak in complete sentences as much as you can, unless you are not doing so for effect.
#5. Use Correct Grammar
To become more articulate, you need to study the proper uses of the words: I, me, him, his, he, no, not. They are commonly used incorrectly, especially in cases of double negatives and when you are listing to people. When you are recapping a fact you already stated, always use "as I said", never, "like I said".
For instance, you should use, "She and I were discussing…" instead of "Her and I were discussing…"You should use, "You can give your assignment to him or me," instead of "You can give your assignment to him or I." You should use, "Such as…" instead of "like…" These little changes will help you in becoming more articulate and presentable in your speeches.
#6. Radiate Confidence
If you want to sound more articulate and intelligent, then confidence is the way to do it. You need to sound and look confident when you deliver your message or speech. Small gestures such as keeping eye contact with the audience, sounding convincing, as if you really mean what you say, and speaking loud enough for people to hear you. If you appear comfortable with your message and show belief in your words, people are likely to believe you too. Someone who is good at articulating makes sure that their sentences sound firm and decisive. To sound more convincing, they never end their sentences with a question or with turning up their voice slightly. It is so because such a behavior only makes one sound like they're constantly asking for affirmation.
#7. Work On Your Posture
Your posture can play an important role in making you sound more intelligent and more articulate. Stand up tall and make sure to avoid hunching over, whether you're standing up, walking, or sitting down. Don't cross your arms over your chest. Try to keep them at your sides and use them to make gestures during your speech. Elongate your neck slightly if possible. Standing up tall, with your back straight will make you look confident and your sounds more forceful. A confident body language will make people believe that you know what you're talking about.
#8. Prepare Thoroughly
If you want to sound smart and become more articulate, then you will have to prepare yourself for the same. Just spouting out your latest ideas to your close friends or your potential audience without giving it much thought, will only leave a bad impression. You need to prepare yourself for what you're going to say, whether it’s for a class presentation or just talking to your girlfriend about a relationship issue. Rehearse well before you finally say it. It will make you feel confident and comfortable as you’ll be prepared in advance.
It's important to practice and rehearse, but it's also important to sound natural. Therefore, you should know the material well enough to improvise if it becomes necessary.
While it is important to have new ideas, it is much more important to learn to articulate them properly.
Do you also face problems in articulating your thoughts? Do you think this article will help you out in getting over your problem? Let us know in the comment section below.
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