How to speak more eloquently

Have you ever been struck by the elegance of a public speaker, leaving you in awe of their ability to express ideas in a way you've never heard? 

That’s the power of eloquence. And in this article, we dive into practical tips to help you speak more eloquently, captivate your audience, and leave a lasting impression.

The pillars of eloquent speech

Eloquent speech is characterized by several components that help you create a powerful and effective message. Here are some key aspects:

• Vocabulary: A varied vocabulary is essential for conveying your message accurately and effectively. Conversely, using vague or imprecise language can lead to misunderstandings or uncertainty.
• Tone: Tone refers to the attitude or emotion conveyed by the speaker. A consistent tone can help you establish trust and credibility with your audience, while a fluctuating tone can create uncertainty or doubt.
• Pace: The speed at which you speak can also impact the effectiveness of your communication. Speaking too quickly can cause confusion, while speaking too slowly can feel boring.
• Clarity: Clarity refers to how well your message is understood by your audience. Clear communication involves using simple, concise language, and avoids technical jargon that’s not familiar to your audience. 

When all of these elements come together, they create eloquent speech that your audience will pay attention to. Eloquent speakers are often seen as credible, authoritative, and trustworthy, which can be beneficial in both everyday and professional settings.

Improve vocabulary, improve communication

Let’s pretend you’re in a job interview or at a public speaking engagement. The right words and a strong vocabulary can help you convey information, showcase your expertise, and persuade your audience. On the other hand, using non-descriptive, unclear, or even incorrect language can create skepticism and miscommunication, as well as reduce your credibility.

So, as you can see, words hold immense power when it comes to communication and the way you interact with others. 

The role of tone in communication

Tone refers to the attitude or emotion conveyed by the speaker. It is a pillar of eloquent speech and it has a significant impact on how a message is received and perceived. The elements of tone—cadence, pitch, body language, and word choice—can be utilized to help you convey your intended message. 

Want to ensure you’re setting the right tone in your speech? Here are some of our top recommendations: 

• Establish an emotional connection: By creating an emotional connection with your audience, you can make your message more memorable and impactful.
• Convey attitude or intent: For example, a sense of urgency or a sense of relaxation can be conveyed through tone. Before speaking, it's important to identify what sort of message you hope to convey.
• Consider the context: The context of the conversation or situation can help you determine the appropriate tone to use. Is it professional and academic or casual and light-hearted? 

How to practice speaking eloquently

Improving your verbal communication skills requires commitment and practice. But we have a few ways to help you practice speaking more eloquently effortlessly:

Improve vocabulary

• Read widely: Reading books, articles, and other forms of written communication can help you expand your vocabulary and develop an understanding of different writing styles.
• Use a thesaurus: An online or physical thesaurus can help you find synonyms for words you commonly use, which can add variety to your speech.
• Learn a new word daily: By learning one new word every day, you can gradually build your vocabulary without feeling too overwhelmed.

Manage tone

• Speak with intention: Before speaking, consider the message you want to convey and the tone that would be most appropriate. 
• Use nonverbal cues: Your tone is not just conveyed through your words, but also through your facial expressions, body language, and eye contact. Practice using these cues can help you adjust your tone to match the situation.
• Listen actively: Active listening helps you evaluate the verbal and nonverbal cues of those around you. This, in turn, can help you adjust your tone accordingly.

Maintain clarity

• Be concise: Avoid using unnecessary phrases or filler words that can detract from the point of your message.
• Use simple language: Using simple language can help ensure that your message is understood by a broader audience.

Learn how to speak more eloquently with the Elevate app today

Developing eloquent verbal communication skills is essential for both your personal and professional life. That’s because through thoughtful word choice and tone, you can effectively convey your message and create a lasting impression. 

And if you’re looking for a tool to help you practice and refine your language abilities, look no further than the Elevate app. 

The Elevate app features 40+ brain training games designed by experts to deliver real results. Plus it ensures you get a well-rounded approach to language learning and improving your verbal communication, thanks to the variety of vocabulary, synonym, and context clue-based games. 

If this sounds like something you’d like to try, download the Elevate app now, available for free on iOS and Android. With personalized vocabulary games and comprehensive language training, you'll join the near 90% of members who report improved vocabulary after using the app. So what are you waiting for? Start your journey to eloquence and improve your verbal communication today.