Follow the lectures!
Here are several ways to improve speech skills:
I. Practice Regularly
1. Read Aloud
Choose various materials such as news articles, short stories, or even poetry. Reading aloud helps you get used to the rhythm of speaking, enunciation, and pacing. For example, when reading a news article, you can practice clearly pronouncing difficult words and varying your intonation according to the content.
2. Record Yourself
Use your smartphone or other recording devices to record your speeches or even normal conversations. Then listen back to identify areas for improvement. You might notice that you use filler words like "um" or "uh" too often, or that your voice lacks enthusiasm at certain points.
3. Rehearse in Front of a Mirror
This allows you to observe your body language as you speak. You can check if you are making appropriate eye contact (even with your own reflection), if your gestures are natural and not too distracting, and if your facial expressions match the tone of your
speech.
II. Expand Your Vocabulary
1. Read Widely
Read books, magazines, and online articles from different genres and fields. This exposes you to new words and their usage in context. For instance, if you read a lot of scientific magazines, you'll come across technical terms that can be added to your vocabulary and potentially used in more formal or specialized speeches.
2. Learn Word Roots, Prefixes, and Suffixes
Understanding these elements can help you decipher the meaning of new words more easily and also assist in forming new words. For example, the prefix "un - " usually means not, so when you see a word like "unhappy", you can quickly understand its meaning.
3. Use a Thesaurus
When you find yourself using the same words repeatedly, consult a thesaurus to find synonyms. This will make your speech more diverse and interesting. For example, instead of always using the word "good", you can use synonyms like "excellent", "terrific", or "splendid" depending on the context.
III. Work on Your Delivery
1. Control Your Voice
Vary your pitch, volume, and speed. A monotone voice can be boring for the audience. For example, when making an important point, you can lower your voice to create a sense of suspense and then raise it for emphasis.
2. Use Appropriate Pacing
Don't speak too fast at the audience can't keep up, but also don't be too slow which can make the speech seem dragged out. Pause at appropriate moments to give the audience time to absorb what you've said. For example, after asking a rhetorical question, a short pause can create anticipation for your answer.
3. Improve Your Body Language
Stand or sit up straight, maintain good posture. Use gestures that are natural and enhance your message. For example, if you are talking about the size of something, you can use your hands to show the approximate dimensions.
IV. Analyze Great Speakers
1. Watch TED Talks
Here are some ways to enhance speech ability. Firstly, for content, clarify the theme and collect materials like data and cases from various sources. Organize it with a clear structure of beginning, body and end. Secondly, regarding skills, use voice properly. Keep volume and intonation appropriate, for example, raise pitch for emphasis. Also, utilize body language effectively. Gestures and smiles can make you more engaging. Moreover, interact with the audience via questions and eye contact. This helps to build a connection. Constant practice following these aspects will surely improve your speech ability and make you a more confident and effective speaker.