Everybody wants to make a good impression, that's why being articulate is so important. It means knowing what words and phrases succinctly and appropriately get your point across to your audience. Being articulate can change how others perceive you - which is a bonus during interviews and professional meetings where making a good impression really counts. The best way to convey your expertise, professionalism and personality is by talking to people.
- Being articulate doesn't mean phrasing your words in a complex, incomprehensible manner in an attempt to sound more intelligent. In fact, this will often come across as insincere. Instead of intellectualizing your ideas, try using simple everyday language, keep your sentences brief and get your audience emotionally involved. Add enthusiasm and passion to your presentation without flowery language and jargon.
- Non-verbal communication like your tone, gestures, timing and mannerisms are just as important as words in your journey to becoming more articulate.
- Speaking just to get your voice heard will not add to your perceived level of articulateness. Speak on matters where you are able to bring more clarity to others or help add to a discussion. Let the experts speak about what they know: you can add to the discussion through articulate questions rather than adding your two cents where it doesn't really benefit anybody.
- Use a variety of words to create more interest and add color to your conversations and presentations. You weren't born with a gifted, expanded vocabulary, but reading will add to your vocabulary as well as elevate your knowledge. Reading improves your grammar, vocabulary, verb tenses and expounds on your expertise.
- When you are well-read and passionate about your topic, when you know the facts inside and out, you will be comfortable sharing your opinion and ideas. A large part of being articulate is being confident and that comes with knowledge. Even the most seasoned politician and experienced business leaders who appear spontaneous, prepare their speeches and nurture their skills through practice and coaching.
Being articulate is associated with being competent and being able to rise to new challenges. That's what leaders do. What we do at Ty Boyd is empower leaders to make dramatic differences with their customers. Give us a call.
Taking your communication skills to the next level
While there are multiple places to get tips & tricks for public speaking, we believe hands-on-training is the way to truly master public speaking. If you are looking for proven techniques for preparing and delivering effective presentations; greater confidence in your presentation skills ability; and new tools for effective communication look no further. Excellence in Speaking Institue, our signature course, provides all of the above and each attendee also receives an individualized game plan for how to further improve and enhance their skills after the course.
