Being able to express oneself clearly is not a gift of nature but a skill that can be learned by anyone and at any time in life. If you feel that you are unable to communicate clearly, take some time to train and improve not only the content of your speeches but above all the way you deliver them.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Change the Contents
Step 1. Use clear and essential language
Very often the use of a very large linguistic register is not necessarily an appropriate choice, even if the necessary exceptions must be made. But in general when you need to communicate, the fewer words you use, the better the result. Explaining something using polished language isn't necessarily a better choice than a simpler, clearer explanation if both of them hit the mark. Remember not to add extra words just to sound smarter.
Step 2. Use words you know
Try to broaden your vocabulary, but still try to use words you know in speeches. One of the worst things you can do is misuse a complicated word or use too many, confusing the listener.
Step 3. Enter references
When you have the chance, hint at something concrete that can better explain your thoughts or ideas or mention something that can give your listener a better idea of what you are trying to say. References to popular culture, literature, art or historical characters and events are particularly suitable and will give you a refined air.
Step 4. Don't use unnecessary words
Nothing makes a speech less clear and professional than filling silences and spaces between the words of a sentence with interlayers such as "let's say" and "then". Make an effort and avoid these words. Remember: you don't have to fill in the spaces between sentences with words. If it helps, think about exactly what you need to say before you say it so you don't need to use interlayers.
Step 5. Spell out each word well
You may have prepared the clearest speech in the world but if you don't pronounce the present words correctly, the listener may get confused and not understand what you are saying. Take the time to pronounce the words correctly, trying to eliminate accent problems if you have any. And if you have particular pronunciation problems, contact a professional.
Step 6. Familiarize yourself with phrases and adjectives
One of the most common problems encountered in communication is that you often take awkward pauses to search for the right words, while giving the impression of being unprepared. Solve this problem by familiarizing yourself with a list of common phrases and adjectives. If you can not forget what you are about to say, by relying on these mental lists you can easily find the word you are looking for.
- Common (and clear) phrases are: In addition, in particular, in addition, in addition, in spite of, nevertheless.
- Common (and clear) adjectives vary based on the subject you will be covering but could include: gorgeous, disgusting, absurd, tasteful, high-sounding, abrupt, adorable, and lovable.
Step 7. Formulate the sentence in advance
To avoid getting lost in your own thoughts and to get to the heart of the speech right away, think about what you are going to say right before you say it. Thinking ahead is like writing an answer - it will give you time to formulate exactly what you are going to say and to choose the best way to express yourself. Just be careful not to prepare a speech that is too rigid, otherwise you could be fake or accidentally forget important passages.
Method 2 of 2: Change the way you speak
Step 1. Overcome the fear of public speaking
It will be difficult to make a clear speech if your voice trembles, you speak too softly or you stammer. Take the necessary steps to overcome these anxieties or fears by seeking advice from a therapist or specialist counselor.
Step 2. Relax
A bit like in the case of fear of public speaking, if you are stressed, nervous or tense you will not be able to express yourself clearly. Do whatever it takes to relax, like imagining your audience in underwear or remembering that the worst thing that can happen to you is that the audience gets bored (which isn't even a terrible thing). Speaking skills need to come naturally, don't feel forced - let the words flow and don't worry too much about how you are talking or what people will think of you.
Step 3. Talk confidently
Have you ever noticed how people who are self-confident automatically appear more charismatic and convincing to others? If you speak confidently, you will intrigue the audience. And even if you don't feel really confident, act like you are and your speech will be better articulated and more professional. Plus, by pretending to be sure of yourself, you will start to be really confident. A doubly useful situation.
Step 4. Speak slowly
Talking too fast makes even the best speaker in the world seem anxious and unprepared. If you are worried, it is a natural reaction to speed up the speech; but this is not a professional attitude and will make you look stressed out. Take the time to express yourself in the best possible way - it is always better to speak too slowly than to speak too fast.
Step 5. Pay attention to your audience
The best speakers make eye contact with their audience and target specific people. This shows that they are not talking nonsense and that they are really interested in getting the audience to listen and understand what they are saying. When you speak, even to one person, look them in the eye.
Step 6. If you wish, use a clipboard
If you are worried about a public speech and not just any conversation, feel free to bring some notes. Organizing your thoughts and keeping them handy so you can take a peek every now and then is a good way to keep your speech tidy. Do not use the notes as a text to read: keep a lineup that can quickly remind you of the keywords and phrases to insert in your speech in order to make it clearer.
Step 7. Practice in front of the mirror
It might sound silly, but if you can look at yourself while you talk, you can more easily understand what you need to change about your ways. Whether you decide to speak standing in front of the mirror or record yourself on video, you will better understand your strengths and those that need to be improved.
Step 8. Read more
Reading not only increases your vocabulary and improves your comprehension skills, but also introduces you to historical or literary characters who have excellent oratorical skills. Read often and be particularly attentive to the speeches, focusing on those that strike you. You could also try to imitate the speeches or behaviors of your favorite characters.
