Articulating your thoughts calmly and speaking smoothly is an art that needs immense practice. Very few people behave in a confident manner and work best under pressure from the onset. They have the power to process everything clearly so that they can present their thoughts to others succinctly. Others have to work for it as capturing the attention of your viewers is a necessity in today’s environment.
A systematic approach will enhance your communication skills and prove a blessing in both personal and professional environment.
1) Speak slowly
When you are working professionally business leaders pay a lot of attention on whether you are an effective communicator or not. Have you mastered to articulate your thought is an important factor that can determine the course of your interview?
Some people practice to do so but their voice feels fake and shaky. It is important that if you have undertaken an undertaking you complete it with full faith and sincerity so that it becomes an integral part of your habit and lifestyle. The first thing to do is to start speaking slowly. That does not mean you take a long pause between each sentence. It simply means that you gather your thoughts and then speak in a calm manner so that the precision of your message becomes clear.
Some people become nervous while speaking with important people and their speech tends to overlap and become unpleasant. When you start speaking slowly you will be able to gain control of the situation and your audience can understand you better.
2) Breathing
Experts suggest that you include breathing exercises as part of your daily routine. Continue to do so until it becomes a habit and you do not have to make a conscious effort for it. When you are stressed or in an important situation your emotions tend to become haywire.
It is tough to control your erratic heartbeat and breathing suddenly in adverse conditions. If you have not learned the art of controlling your breathing your voice will become jittery and no one will be able to understand you properly. It is at such times that you need to be calm and collected so that you can articulate your thoughts.
If you have been doing regular breathing exercises then you will automatically start taking full-relaxed breaths to control and regulate your anxiety. It will improve your confidence levels and you will be able to project yourself more clearly.
3) Know about your subject
If you have the time it is better to research and know about your subject before you need to make a speech. This will give you the necessary time to make preparations, articulate your thoughts and speak with confidence. Taking part in discussions becomes easier as you have the information and are aware of the facts. Speaking of known matters brings clarity to your thought process and you can engage your audience’s attention.
4) Watch your pitch
If you want to articulate your thoughts suitably you need to watch your pitch. Speaking randomly shows your erratic behavior and gives credence to the fact that you will not be able to work according to the reputation of your company. When you maintain the right pitch you come about as an articulate speaker with effective communication skills. You can easily practice in the privacy of your home to match your pitch with your words so that they become a reflection of each other.
Sometimes you do not realize that you are practicing the wrong way and hence take someone’s help in the beginning so that you can start imitating the right way from the onset.
5) Think before speaking
If someone asks you something no need to open your mouth randomly and answer him as soon as possible. Take a pause as this will give you the necessary few seconds to calm yourself. Now think and articulate your thoughts and then present them to your target audiences. Verbal pauses in between the sentences give you the time to gather the thoughts and process them again and again.
When your speech pattern follows a reasonable level everyone can understand you better and you come across as intelligent and serious in your efforts. Thinking and then speaking slowly and clearly will project you as a thoughtful character with substance.
6) Body posture
Are you aware of the benefits of maintaining a good body posture in a professional environment? The first thing that people notice about you is your body language.
Are you confident enough, will you be able to handle the situation properly and are you prepared can be understood simply by looking at your posture? The way people stand to sit, talk, listen and walk are all connected intimately with your speech patterns. When your body posture is straight you will be able to take proper breaths and it will give your voice greater clarity and strength.
Take a deep breath, correct your posture and articulate your thoughts to look and feel more confident and smart in your workplace.
7) Expand your vocabulary
You can easily articulate your thoughts and present them to others if you have lots of words in your armor. Using different words gives an additional meaning to your conversation and creates interest amongst the listeners. The best way to expand your vocabulary is to read as much as you can. It is not necessary to read high-caliber books as simple stories, newspapers, everyday novels, articles and even dictionary work equally better and can help you to achieve your goals effectively.
Remember to give due credence to its pronunciation as the wrong one can make you look like a fool in front of others. Start with learning two words daily and gradually increase your level as you become more comfortable. Remember to use real words instead of contractions and slang as nobody likes them in a professional setting.
8) Keep yourself hydrated
You must be amazed by this subheading and wondering what is the connection between keeping yourself hydrated and your voice quality. When you are drinking enough water, your vocal cords retain ample moisture to sound better. This helps in keeping your body as well as emotions under control because you are satiated.
Now you can easily articulate your thoughts and present them in a calm and dignified manner so that everyone can understand you clearly and distinctly.
9) Do not shout
One sure way to articulate your thoughts is to stop shouting at the drop of your hat. Some people have this habit of speaking either too loudly or yelling at the top of their voice as if the force and volume will make their words more powerful to others. How will you be able to gather your thoughts when your emotions are going haywire and you are continuously yelling? Stop doing this and take calming breaths.
Maintain a composed manner that will allow you to engage your thoughts and execute them to others in an effective way.
10) Exude confidence
Feel confident so that you can exude it in front of others. If you want to articulate your thoughts and sound intelligent then it is necessary that you look the part. Maintain eye contact with your target audience and speak slowly and distinctively so that you can create a favorable impression upon others. When you start believing in your capabilities then the confidence seeps inside your mindset and it can be seen via your positive body language. Speak in an even tone with the right pitch and in a tone and manner that everyone can hear you properly.
Never doubt yourself as second-guessing your actions will lose your confidence level to a great extent. Decisive sentences always sound firm and your audiences will be able to relate themselves with your thoughts.
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