The language used by Shakespeare may seem obscure and difficult to understand. In fact, it is extremely intelligent and is much more understandable if you learn to speak it correctly. Fortunately, doing this is surprisingly easy!
Steps
Step 1. Read a Shakespeare sonnet in the original verson
Hamlet, A Midsummer Night's Dream, Othello and Romeo and Juliet are excellent candidates. They will give you an idea of how the language was used and enrich your vocabulary with archaic forms and uses of words.
Step 2. Replace the questions starting with "Can I?
"with" Will you grant me the chance? "This archaic form was in use in the Elizabethan era and has the benefit of being very courteous.
Step 3. Work on greetings
In our age, we are content with a simple "Hello" or "How are you". To be more in line with Shakespeare's time, use phrases such as "Greetings, Sir / Madam" or if you sincerely wish to know how the other is doing, "How do you feel today Mr / a + your name ? Feel free to add phrases such as "I wish you all well." You can reply with "Likewise to you" remembering to add "My lord" or "My lady". A more polite and courteous response may be "May God protect you".
Step 4. Work on goodbyes
Goodbyes can be much more elegant than the modern "Hello" or "Goodbye". A very simple and intuitive approach can be "I offer you my compliments"; however, this too can be improved by considering how the conversation ends. Have you said goodbye for a long time? "I pay you my respects and may fate grant us to see you again soon". Modify your farewells to suit the situation.
Step 5. Add more or less superfluous adverbs like "modestly"
They make the speech more polished.
Step 6. Learn the abbreviations used
Step 7. Learn the forms of using pronouns
Step 8. Underline the opinions with terms like "It seems to me" and "Really"
Step 9. Hone the swearing
Replace "Damned" with "Damned". Other adjectives can be replaced with "Unfair", "Licentious", "Rogue". You can also refer to one of humble origins or one who acts as a servant with the word "scoundrel".
Step 10. Use the following words freely:
"Sometimes", "As soon as", "In his absence", "Hold a reception", "Commiserate", "Thank you very much", "Miss", "Tomorrow", "Unreachable", "Often", "In Faith", "God knows", "My dear", "May God forgive me", "May heaven", "Latrine", "Indeed", "Slut", "Then why", "May God lightning me".
Step 11. Use the archaic forms of verbs
Step 12. Look for typical expressions in the books of the time
Step 13. If you need to break up with someone, take a cue from Hamlet (Act 3, Scene 1, 114-121)
Advice
- Rhyme is unnecessary and often makes it more difficult to speak appropriately. In addition, it often makes sentences nonsensical and belittles the cultured effect that Shakespearean language produces. Only rhyme if you're sure it's in good taste.
- You can continue to improve by speaking in iambic pentameter, but it is very difficult to improvise without proper practice.
