Increasing Your Word Power: The Importance Of Increasing The Vocabulary For Effective Public Speaking

There is nothing so enjoyable or so important in the field of public speaking as increasing the vocabulary of the speaker. With the millions of words in the English language there is no reason for a speaker to ever be limited in what they are attempting to say, nor should they find themselves floundering for the proper word to convey a thought or an idea.

An educated person should never be content with the size of his usable speaking vocabulary. The addition of every new word or phrase that they learn help them grasp and express new ideas, and the ability to express new ideas is what is going to make them effective in the field of public speaking. Likewise, every new idea or topic learned is likely to bring with it its own unique set of vocabulary that the speaker must master before they will be able to effectively incorporate it into their speech. Imagine trying to have a conversation about baseball without knowing what it means to be “out” or “safe”!

The average speaker uses only a small fraction of their language, as anyone who has ever traveled can attest to. In order to achieve basic mastery in a foreign language it is only necessary to master a couple thousand words and phrases. Considering the fact that the English dictionary contains over 450,000 words this shows how little of their potential the average speaker uses!

An enlarging vocabulary is the outward and visible sign of an inward and intellectual growth; however, it requires a great deal of effort on the part of the speaker. Increasing the vocabulary is not something that happens on its own, nor is it something that is going to take place overnight. The student of public speaking that is seeking to expand their vocabulary should take advantage of every tool at their disposal.

Steps to Increasing the Vocabulary

1.   The first thing the student of public speaking must do in order to expand their vocabulary is place themselves in a situation where they will be exposed to new words and phrases. This can be done by visiting a museum, attending a lecture, reading a book or otherwise exposing themselves to new experiences.

2.   When a new word is found it should be pounced on like a cat spotting a mouse. If heard its pronunciation should be carefully noted. If seen its spelling should be memorized immediately.

3.   When they are able, the student of public speaking should then consult a dictionary to confirm its meaning, its various spellings and its pronunciation (if they have not already done so).

4.   Once a word is learned it should then be utilized as often as possible. A word is not truly mastered until it has been properly used in the course of a conversation or presentation.

It is good idea for the student of public speaking to regularly take a linguistic inventory to evaluate the number of words they are able to effectively use. A growing vocabulary is an essential component of effective public speaking. The speaker that knows the words and phrases they need to convey their ideas clearly and precisely will be understood and remembered by even the least receptive of their audience.

 My Name Is Christopher Carlin And I Want To Give You Twenty Free Public Speaking Tips

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