If you want to be more articulate and eloquent as a speaker, say goodbye to these 8 habits

Ethan Sterling by Ethan Sterling | January 16, 2025, 5:06 pm

If you stumble over your words, people might think you’re nervous. If you mumble, they might think you’re not confident.

That’s the basics of public speaking.

But, let’s face it, speaking eloquently isn’t always a walk in the park. It takes practice and sometimes, breaking a few bad habits.

I want to share with you 8 common habits that could be holding you back from being an articulate and eloquent speaker.

Trust me, once you bid farewell to these habits, you’ll see a remarkable difference.

1) Filler words

We all do it.

Those “ums”, “ahs”, and “likes” that slip into our speech when we’re not quite sure what to say next. They’re like little verbal crutches we lean on when we’re feeling unsure.

But here’s the thing.

These filler words, they can make us sound less confident, less prepared, and less articulate than we actually are.

It’s not an easy habit to break, I’ll give you that. But being aware of it is the first step. And once you start actively trying to eliminate these words from your speech, you’ll see a tremendous improvement in your eloquence.

So, if you want to sound more articulate, make saying “goodbye” to filler words your first order of business.

Your spoken words will thank you for it.

2) Speaking too quickly

I’ll be the first to admit it.

I used to be a fast talker. I’d rush through my sentences, my words tumbling over each other in a hurry to get out. I thought it made me sound smart, like I had so many ideas that I couldn’t slow down.

But here’s what I learned.

Speaking too quickly can make it hard for others to follow what you’re saying. It can make you come across as nervous or anxious, regardless of how confident you might feel. And it can rob your words of their impact.

I had to learn to slow down, to take a breath, and to give my words the space they needed to make an impact. And let me tell you, it made a world of difference.

If you’re in the habit of speaking too quickly, take a page out of my book and slow down. Your audience will appreciate it, and so will your eloquence.

3) Not using pauses effectively

Here’s something you might not know.

The average person can only comprehend about 125-150 words per minute, even though we speak at around 175 words per minute. Quite the difference, right?

This is where the power of the pause comes in.

Pauses give your listeners a chance to digest what you’ve just said. They add dramatic effect, emphasize important points and give you a moment to gather your thoughts.

Now, if you’re not using pauses effectively, you’re missing out on a powerful tool in your eloquent speaking toolkit. Start incorporating thoughtful pauses into your speech and watch how it transforms your communication skills.

4) Overusing jargon

We all want to sound smart and knowledgeable, right?

But there’s a thin line between sounding intelligent and sounding like you swallowed a dictionary.

Jargon, technical terms, and buzzwords might make you feel more professional, but they can also alienate your audience if they’re not familiar with them.

Instead, aim for clarity and simplicity in your speech. Try to explain complex ideas in a way that anyone could understand.

Believe me, your listeners will thank you for it, and you’ll come across as more eloquent and articulate.

5) Neglecting body language

I used to think that eloquent speaking was all about the words.

But I soon realized that eloquence is as much about what you don’t say as what you do. And I’m talking about body language.

Your gestures, facial expressions, and posture can either reinforce your words or contradict them. I’ve learned that when your body language is in sync with your words, your message becomes more powerful and credible.

Pay attention to your body language if you want to be more articulate. It’s a silent partner in your communication that can make or break your eloquence.

6) Trying to be perfect

Perfection. It’s a trap many of us fall into.

We think that in order to be eloquent and articulate, we need to deliver flawless speeches with zero mistakes. But that’s not the case.

In fact, striving for perfection can make you come across as robotic or rehearsed. It can stifle your natural flow and make your speech less engaging.

Instead, embrace imperfections. They make you human and relatable. Remember, it’s your authenticity that will truly resonate with your audience, not a perfect delivery.

7) Not practicing active listening

This might surprise you, but being an eloquent speaker isn’t just about speaking. It’s also about listening.

Active listening is a key skill that can make you a better communicator. It shows respect, builds rapport, and gives you valuable insights into your audience’s thoughts and feelings.

If you’ve been focusing solely on your speaking skills, it’s time to give equal importance to your listening skills. Remember, effective communication is a two-way street, and active listening is half the journey.

8) Ignoring the power of storytelling

If there’s one thing you should remember, it’s this.

Storytelling is an incredibly powerful tool in eloquent speaking. Stories engage your audience, make your message more memorable, and add a personal touch to your speech.

When you’re not using storytelling in your speeches or presentations, you’re missing out on a key element of eloquence. Start weaving stories into your communication and watch how it takes your speaking skills to a whole new level.

Final thoughts

If you’ve made it this far, hopefully, you’ve realized that being more articulate and eloquent isn’t about using big words or delivering perfect speeches.

Rather, it’s about being authentic, engaging, and clear in your communication. It’s about respecting your audience enough to make your message as accessible and interesting as possible.

Remember, eloquence isn’t just about how you speak, but also about how you listen, how you react, and how you tell stories. It’s a holistic approach to communication that goes beyond mere words.

So, if you’re on this journey towards better articulation and eloquence, keep these 8 points in mind. And remember, this isn’t just about improving your speaking skills – it’s about improving your overall communication and connection with others.

Isn’t that a worthy goal to strive for?