Often, we make New Year’s Resolutions to improve our physical, mental, and emotional health. In addition, we resolve to improve our professional skills. Public speaking is a skill that requires consistent effort and is refined by becoming more articulate. An articulate person can speak fluently and effectively. Becoming articulate can help you acquire a promotion, contract, or business deal.  Below are nine ways that will help you become more articulate.

1.      Read aloud.

Reading aloud helps you pay attention to your tone and emphasize words that provide impact in written material. In addition, it will make you comfortable hearing your voice because some people do not like the sound of their own voice.

2.      Memorize poems and passages of religious texts.

Memorizing poems and passages of religious texts helps you improve your memory, language skills, and vocabulary skills. Furthermore, your confidence and conviction are improved which will be evident to your audience.

3.      When in doubt, write it out.

Writing will organize your thoughts before you speak. Reading and editing your written work before a presentation will help you refine your thoughts.

4.      Exude confidence.

Having confidence by using good posture and body language while you speak will help the audience connect with your message.

5.      Tailor your presentation to your audience.

Know your audience before your presentation and use words and phrases that they can understand.

6.      Record yourself speaking.

Recording and then listening to yourself speaking can help you hear filler words (ums, uhs, sos, you knows, etc.) and the pace (too fast or too slow) in which you deliver your presentation.

7.      Practice pronouncing difficult words and/or phrases.

Practicing will help you gain confidence and mitigate any stumbling over your words due to nervousness.

8.      Listen to professional speakers.

By listening to TED talks and/or your favorite inspirational/motivational speaker, you will observe their body language, pace, tone, and pitch and apply to your presentations.

9.      Join a public speaking organization.

Joining a public speaking organization such as Toastmasters International will allow you to practice your articulation and receive feedback from other speakers to improve.