7 Tips on How to Be Articulate ...

1. Know Your Subject

If you want to learn how to be articulate and captivate people when you are giving a presentation, then you must learn all there is to know about that topic. Do your research and look for other people’s perspectives on that thing. If you’re in a discussion where you have nothing interesting to say, then simply add to that discussion through articulate questions.

2. Expand Your Mind

In order to learn how to say something well, you must first have something worth saying. Try to be well-informed and well-read, so that you’ll have interesting things to say. You don’t have to become an expert on every topic, just narrow in on subjects and issues that are important to you and study them.

3. Study Communication Techniques

If you want to be more articulate, then you could study some communication techniques that will help you achieve this goal. There are a lot of speech classes or debate clubs that you could join. They will teach you the importance of cadence, body language and purposeful pauses. You could even join a toastmaster’s organization since it will give you the time and place you need to give speeches.

4. Expand Your Vocabulary

Try to expand your vocabulary and use a variety of words, so you can make your speeches more colorful and captivating for the audience. Just read as much as you can and if you don’t understand a certain word, consult a dictionary or a thesaurus; then simply try using it in as many sentences as you can during that day.

5. Think before You Speak

Always think before you speak if you want to be more articulate. If you are asked an important question, it’s okay to make a little pause before giving an answer because you will look more thoughtful and more intelligent than someone who just starts rambling if they don’t know what to answer.

6. Eliminate Verbal Pauses

When you are giving a speech or just talking to someone, try to eliminate verbal pauses because words such as “um” or “aaa” just distract the audience and they might even confuse you. A nonverbal pause is much better and sometimes this kind of pause, if placed correctly, gives the listener the effect of a dramatic or well-studied thought.

7. Exude Confidence

If you want to captivate your audience when you’re giving a speech then try to be sure of yourself and exude confidence. Speak slowly, use correct grammar and be more concise. Get inspired by famous speakers or speeches and tell a story that will illustrate your point well.

The easiest way to learn how to be more articulate is by practicing a lot and preparing yourself very well before giving a speech. Do you know any other tips on how to be more articulate? Please share your thoughts with us in the comments section!

Sources: wikihow.com, ehow.com