Effective verbal communication is needed in almost all areas of life. You need good communication to do everything from getting the job right to making sure your relationship runs smoothly. Many people have a hard time learning this ability, but it shouldn't be too difficult if you remember a few important details.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Prepare
Step 1. Make a mental note first
You should always be prepared for what you are going to talk about. It can be helpful to write down a few ideas beforehand so you don't forget what the key points are, or just to help you figure out what you want to convey.
Step 2. Practice in front of a mirror
All skills must be practiced, and good speaking skills are no different. If you are going to give a speech or have an important conversation, it can be helpful to practice yourself in front of a mirror first. This way, at least you've got it in your head before having a real conversation. And it will help you fix if any problems arise (in arguments, slurred speech, etc.).
Step 3. Read a lot
The more you know about a topic, the better you will talk about it. Reading will help you expand your knowledge and will improve your speaking style in the process.
Method 2 of 3: Speaking in Informal Situations
Step 1. Make eye contact
This technique is very important, but many people forget this when talking to other people. Eye contact shows attention and interest in what is being said. Increased eye contact is associated with credibility and dominance, so it's important to maintain solid eye contact when talking to someone.
Step 2. Smile
Something as simple as a smile can really change the course of a conversation. Smiling helps us form and maintain interpersonal relationships, so smiling is an essential part of communicating with other people.
Step 3. Practice open/relaxed body language
Your body language should be relaxed. This means that you should not cross your arms or display a rigid posture. Leaving your arms open will invite reciprocal communication, unlike crossing your arms which sends a closed, unreceptive message.
Step 4. Avoid harsh tones
The tone of your voice can be a determining factor in how people interpret what you say. You can say a sentence in a positive tone and people will interpret it positively, while you can also say the same thing in a harsh tone of voice that will lead to a negative interpretation.
Step 5. Don't get out of line
Verbal communication differs from other forms of communication in that it is easier to get off topic in verbal communication, which can make it difficult for you to remember exactly what you wanted to say in the conversation. This can confuse listeners. So, stick to your topic.
Step 6. Show confidence
Before you start talking, you need to be sure that you can achieve your desired goal from the conversation. If you don't believe in yourself, the person you're talking to won't be very receptive to your message.
Method 3 of 3: Speaking in Formal/Public Situations
Step 1. Speak concisely and clearly
Don't add irrelevant elements in your speech. Speak your point and convey what you mean so listeners can respond in an appropriate way.
Step 2. Don't get out of line
Verbal communication differs from other forms of communication in that it is easier to get off topic in verbal communication, which can make it difficult for you to remember exactly what you wanted to say in the conversation. This can confuse listeners. So, stick to your topic.
Step 3. Consider the audience
Always include consideration of the audience/audience when you are planning a speech or thinking about an upcoming talk. You certainly don't want to say something that is acceptable in the wrong way or that offends the audience.
Step 4. Make eye contact
Making and maintaining eye contact is crucial when talking to others, whether in one-on-one or in a group conversation. Eye contact shows attention and interest in what is being said. Increased eye contact is associated with credibility and dominance, so it's important to maintain solid eye contact when talking to individuals or groups.
Note: When you are speaking to a crowd, you should not stare at one person for more than 5 seconds. This is too personal/familiar for group discussion
Step 5. Smile
Practice smiling while talking. This is especially important when talking to a group of people because smiling is a simple way to build a basic relationship with people you may never have had personal interaction with. Smiling helps us form and maintain interpersonal relationships, so smiling is an essential part of communicating with other people.
Step 6. Keep the pace of speech
Do not speak in a hurry, as this will make the listener think that you are confused or that you do not know what you are saying. Speak slowly and confidently.
Step 7. Avoid sarcasm
From the listener's point of view, sarcastic words require a process of digesting and interpreting before they can understand what you have said, what it really means, and whether they are the same.
Step 8. Try to include humor
Everyone loves to laugh, so humor can be a good way to lighten up the conversation and make listeners more receptive to your message.
Note: You should, of course, avoid vulgar or inappropriate humor so as not to offend listeners
Step 9. Practice open/relaxed body language
Your body language should be relaxed. This means that you should not cross your arms or display a rigid posture.
When speaking to a group of people, using hand gestures is very important to emphasize your message. Try not to get too excited, but don't hang your arms by your sides rigidly
Step 10. Believe in yourself
Your audience won't pay attention to what you have to say if you're unsure or a little scared. You have to show your listeners that you trust your message before expecting them to believe you too.
