Content

• To step
• Part 1 of 2: Change what you say
• Part 2 of 2: Changing how you speak
• Tips

Eloquence is not genetically transferable and can certainly be learned by anyone, at any age. If you are concerned about your eloquence, take the time to practice and improve not only what you say but how you say it.

To step

Part 1 of 2: Change what you say

1. Stick to a clear and concise vocabulary. While this is often not the case, a broad vocabulary does not necessarily mean that you also have a strong vocabulary. When it comes to being eloquent, less is more. A long-winded explanation is no better than a simple and clear explanation, if they both have the same result. Don't use more words to appear more intelligent.
2. Use what you know. Constantly try to increase your vocabulary, but stick to what you know when talking to other people. One of the least eloquent things you can do is use an erudite term, or use too many words like that one after the other, leaving the listener confused.
3. No useful references. Whenever possible, it is important to provide the listener with more information that can help explain a thought or idea, or better convey what you want to say. Referencing pop culture, classical literature and art, historical events and people is particularly useful and can make you seem a lot more erudite.
4. Do not use filler words. Nothing sounds less professional and eloquent than filling the space between words and sentences with filler words like "er," "mmm," "you know," and "yes". Be aware that you are not filling every sentence with these words, because it is not necessary to fill every silence in this way. If you can, think carefully about what you want to say before speaking so you don't have to resort to these fillers.
5. Articulate your words properly. You may have prepared the most eloquent speech in the world, but if you mumble the words unclearly, you will leave the listeners in the dark. Take the time to articulate your words and try to minimize any accent. If you find it difficult to speak clearly, hire a voice coach to help you with this.
6. Learn familiar connecting words and adjectives. One of the most common problems with speaking is that people search fruitlessly for the right words, causing silences during a conversation at unfortunate moments and making them seem unprepared. Fix this by familiarizing yourself with popular linking words and popular adjectives. If you have forgotten what you were going to say, it is easier to hold on to words that you have ready.
   • General (and erudite) conjugates are, moreover, supplementary, in particular, although, and in spite of.
   • General (and erudite) adjectives depend on what you're talking about, but can include words like beautiful, disgusting, absurd, tasteful, euphonious, ephemeral, pleasant, and lovely.
7. Think about what you want to say in advance. To avoid tripping over your own words and start talking right away, it is better to think in advance about what you want to say. Similar to writing a response, pre-thinking will give you time to formulate exactly the next sentence. But be careful not to cling to a script so much that you seem a fake or that you accidentally forget important words.

Part 2 of 2: Changing how you speak

1. Fear of speaking and social fears. It will be terribly difficult to sound eloquent if your voice is trembling, you speak too softly, or you start to stutter when you speak. Take the time to do something about this by calling in a speech therapist or a psychologist.
2. Stay relaxed. As well as the previously mentioned comment about overcoming your fears, it's important to note that you just don't come across as tense or nervous as eloquent as you might. Do whatever it takes to relax, whether you do by imagining the audience in their underwear listening, or the worst that could happen is your audience getting bored. Speaking should be natural and not forced, so let the words flow naturally and don't worry too much about how you deliver it or what people think about it.
3. Speak confidently. Have you ever noticed how people who appear self-conscious automatically come across as more charismatic and eloquent? When you speak confidently, you create curiosity in the audience. Even if you don't feel like it yourself, act confidently and you will appear more professional and eloquent. In addition, if you pretend to be self-aware, you will eventually gain confidence. A win-win situation, that's for sure.
4. Speak slower. Talking too quickly will make even the most erudite speaker appear rushed and unprepared. If you are unsure of what to say, the natural response is to speed up your speaking so that you can finish sooner. This does not sound professional and you seem tense. Take the time to slow down your speaking; it is better to speak slowly than too quickly.
5. Pay attention to the listener. Strong orators regularly make eye contact with their audience, and often look at other people all the time. This indicates that they are not just talking in the air, but that it is important that their audience really listens and hears what they have to say. Even if you only talk to one person, make sure there is regular eye contact.
6. Use notes if necessary. If you are concerned about giving a speech, feel free to take notes. Organizing your thoughts and jotting them down so that you can use them occasionally as a reminder and inspiration is a great way to channel a speech. Don't use the notes as a script, but rather as a way to memorize key concepts, words, and phrases from your speech.
7. Practice in front of the mirror. Yes, this may take some getting used to, but by looking at yourself while giving the speech, you can see what still needs to be fine-tuned. Stand in front of a mirror or make a video of yourself exercising. This helps you to identify points where things are going well and where things are not going so well.
8. Spend more time reading. Reading books will not only increase your vocabulary and comprehension, it is also an introduction to the world of erudite and eloquent figures from history and fiction. Read regularly and pay close attention to the things the characters say that make them appear eloquent. You can adopt this way of speaking in your own usage if you wish.

Tips

• If you have a close friend or family member who is particularly eloquent, pay attention to how they speak and imitate this in your own conversations.