10 Ways to Improve Elocution
by Stephanie Bickel
Isn't it frustrating when you have a hard time understanding what a team member is saying? Their voice isn't loud enough. They mumble. They speak too fast. You know they have something important to share, but it all runs together, and nothing stands out. All hope is not lost, and there are ways to improve speaking skills.
If you want to make sure you are someone that is easy to understand, focus on these 10 areas to improve your elocution and enunciation:
1. Practice speaking out loud
Practice speaking out loud to improve your control over your mouth muscles and help you produce clear, distinct sounds.
2. Slow down
Speak slowly and deliberately to give yourself time to enunciate each word clearly.
3. Use a mirror
Practice speaking in front of a mirror to help you visualize the movements of your mouth and tongue as you speak.
4. Use tongue twisters
Tongue twisters can help you improve your control over your mouth muscles and make it easier to produce clear, distinct sounds.
5. Practice reading aloud
Reading aloud can help you improve your elocution and enunciation by giving you the opportunity to practice producing clear, distinct sounds.
6. Use a microphone
Practice speaking into a microphone to help you get a sense of how your voice sounds to others.
7. Record yourself speaking
Record yourself speaking and then listen back to identify areas where you need to work on your elocution and enunciation.
8. Take a class or work with a tutor
Consider taking a class or working with a tutor to get personalized feedback on your elocution and enunciation.
9. Use online resources
There are many online resources available for improving your elocution and enunciation, including video tutorials, pronunciation exercises, and interactive games.
10. Be patient
Improving your elocution and enunciation takes time and practice, so be patient with yourself and keep working at it. With consistent practice, you will see progress over time.
When learning how to improve your speaking skills, you will accelerate your growth when you seek support from others. Don't be afraid to ask for feedback. Let your team members know what you are working on, so they can comment on your progress.
Commit to making a change today and become the stand-out communicator you have always wanted to be.
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