Becoming well-spoken

March 6, 2015

Characteristics of the well-spoken

• Creating well-formed sentences

• Being articulate• Having a large and diverse vocabulary• Speaking clearly (not mumbling)• Having a good pace, tone, and intonation (not too loud,

fast, or monotone)

• Being fluent – words come easily to you

• Being able to explain things easily• Being straightforward and meaning what you say• Being thoughtful and courteous to the needs of the listener• Using little filler and empty language

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How do you fill your gaps

…Um, Uh

…You know

…Like

…So

…Okay…Right

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What you project

• Unsure

• Evasive

• Unprepared

• Self-conscious• Unfocused

• Inexperienced/young

• Unprofessional

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6-step program

1. Admit

2. Commit

3. Recruit

4. Pause

5. Practice

6. Pay it forward

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1. “I don’t know (but I will if you tell me)”

2. Ding

3. Ear lobe

4. Shock collar

5. Rubber band on your wrist

6. Buzzer in your pocket

Triggers

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Try this

1. Slow down

2. Breathe in and relax your shoulders

3. Pause. Think. Answer.

4. Gesture

5. Tell a story

6. Drink beer

7. Don’t stress; it is natural (just not every 3rd word)

What’s your first step?

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