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Do you ever feel like your words come out choppy or robotic when you speak?

Like you can't quite articulate your thoughts as smoothly as you'd want?

It's a common problem many people face. But with some focused practice, it's definitely a skill you can improve.

Over more than a decade, I've developed 4 powerful techniques to help speakers sound more fluid and articulate. I recommend watching the video demonstration above. I've also broken them down for you one by one. 

Technique #1: Speak in Legato

Think of speaking like a piano player - you want your words to flow together in a legato style rather than sounding staccato or choppy.

For example, instead of saying "Hello...I...am...excited...to...see...you...today" with pauses between each word, you'd say "HelloI'mexcitedtoseeyoutoday" with the words smoothly connected.

Watch this short clip HERE to learn how to speak in legato. 

Technique #2: Speak on the Exhale

The reason many speakers sound choppy is because their breathing patterns are off. You want to inhale through your nose fully, and then speak while exhaling through your mouth.

Like this: breathes in "I'm really excited to see you today." exhales fully while speaking

This helps your words come out in a smooth stream rather than disjointed gasps for air.

Technique #3: The EIE Exercise

To practice breath control, try the EIE (Exhale-Inhale-Exhale) exercise:

• Exhale fully, constricting your stomach until no air is left.

• Inhale deeply through your nose for 3-5 seconds.

• As you exhale through your mouth, speak a simple sentence like "I'm excited to see you today."
• Repeat for 30-45 seconds, speaking the full sentence with each exhale.

This trains you to fully control your breath and speak smoothly for longer periods.

Check out this article for more tips demonstrating how you can reduce your nerves and project better. 

Technique #4: The Narration Game

Describe random objects around you in one flowing sentence without pausing for breath.

For example: "This is a beautiful red marker that costs only 50 cents and I use it occasionally whenever I want to demonstrate concepts for my students."

You're practicing connecting words fluidly while generating natural-sounding descriptions on the fly.

You can watch me demonstrating the Narration Game HERE (scroll towards the bottom of that page). 

Give these 4 techniques a try and I guarantee you'll notice a difference in how articulate and polished you sound when speaking.

They've been total game-changers for me in meetings, presentations, interviews, and more. I hope they help you feel more confident and compelling as a speaker too!

Preston

If you found this helpful, the Impromptu Speakers Academy is my 3-week bootcamp to help you become a clear and confident speaker at work. Reserve your spot today while they're still available.