Build Your Vocab

 

Your teacher has posed a question to be answered by each student in turn. As each replies, your turn to answer is approaching. Your heart is pounding in panic, your mouth is parched dry with anxiety that you will have difficulty saying the word or expression to convey your thoughts. You have no confidence that you can  reply without stuttering. 

 

It doesn't have to be that way for long. A discouraging word on one day may not be the same on another day. Mindfully increase your stock of key words, your vocabulary. The bigger the better. That may be your gateway to smooth responses.

 

Demands for you to speak may be prepared or extemporaneous.  In either case, you will be well served  with a big vocabulary.  How do you build your supply of words? Read and read, mindfully savoring those words and expressions you are sure to use again. When time allows you to prepare a speech, fortify yourself with a flip chart and other visual aids you prepare in advance. Point to them as you express yourself, allowing few or no interruptions. Each time you succeed, confidence in yourself will shrink the number of discouraging words. A habit of preparation will serve you well when demands are made for your speaking and writing. 

 

When you have time, rehearse your speech and  anticipate discouraging words. Deliberately build self-confidence. Your well-stocked supply of words will get you past challenge after challenge.