How can I sound articulate and cultured?

[napoleon1769]

I find that I process language a little slower than other people. It may have a little to do with shyness but I was wondering how I could sound more confident without being too shallow?

[effie]

Fake it. Act the part. Find a person you really respect in the Confidence department, and study that person. Then mimic that person.

But if you really look up to Napoleon, then be prepared to be exhiled at some point in the future! LOL

[Rai_Polo]

Just read more, and by reading I don't mean Maxim.

Try some poli-sci stuff if your into Napolean.

[v_tofu]

+1 on reading.

read read read!!

[EbonyRose]

Reading is a good way to learn vocabulary, etc, but you need to write to become proficient at expressing yourself. Writing is a good exercise to practice your phrasing.

[ji2o0k]

fake a British accent and get really good at it.

So when you speak, it sounds like you are British!! Sophisticated man !!!

[EbonyRose]

fake a British accent and get really good at it.

So when you speak, it sounds like you are British!! Sophisticated man !!!

LMAO!

[Kommander_KornFlakes]

-
The best way to improve your vocal skills is to USE THEM. Record yourself in a microphone talking clear and fast, do this every day and you will see improvement pretty soon. Try to mimick those auction sales microphone jockeys.

[sexpuppet6000]

Watch Frasier.

[Talamasca]

Read newspapers and serious magazines (National Geographic, Time, The Economist). Watch international news like BBC to see more important stories from a more global perspective and not just about some bank robbery on Lawrence Ave.

Listen to different types of music, everything from Beethoven to the Spice Girls.

Travel! This is probably the best education you'll ever get. International is best but travelling locally is awesome too.

To start, randomly surf at Wikipedia. Pick a topic and just go from there.

[nahim.a.a]

You can never sound cultured without being well-read, well-brought-up and intelligent.

[KorruptioN]

You can never sound cultured without being well-read, well-brought-up and intelligent.

You're also not cultured if you return used deodorant.

[Krox]

If you are shy, try some public speaking classes. If you can talk to a crowd of people without getting nervous, talking to people one on one or in small groups is a piece of cake.

[Peckerwood]

Yes...much more reading and a selection of various thesauri

[JeVartan]

Watch Frasier.

+1


That was going to be my reply too and then saw you beat me to it.

[toalan]

wear glasses, really really thick glasses

[Emancipated]

When Peckerwood gets going, you practically need a dictionary to understand what he is saying. Honourable mention to Deep though he's more superfluous than anything else.

[CSAgent]

You're also not cultured if you return used deodorant.

I laughed out loud, really loud on this one... thanks for the reminder that nahim.a.a returned a deoderant that he used.:lol: :lol:

[CanadianMike]

You're also not cultured if you return used deodorant.
+1 :lol:

[catchme]

I want to know as well. I say something of importance in the not so good way. Others grab it and show of as if they are the intelligent one :( I am trying to be cool, but does not seem to be possible.

[NiMSo]

You're also not cultured if you return used deodorant.

LMAO!!! :lol:

[twotterdhc6]

Honourable mention to Deep though he's more superfluous than anything else.

A more appropriate word here is verbose. ;)

[ullyeus]

Join Toastmasters

[Chr1s]

"The rain in Spain stays mainly in the plain"

[Supra_KL]

watch political debates, read the newspaper, consult your thesaurus

Expanding your vocabulary will help you speak much more eloquently.

[iam_immigrant]

Always throw in a few unnecessarily large words whenever possible.

[nahim.a.a]

Read threads started by me.

[porphyra]

Watch Frasier.

+2

[poedua]

I find that I process language a little slower than other people. It may have a little to do with shyness but I was wondering how I could sound more confident without being too shallow?

Read the book........


" How to Win Friends and Influence People " - by Dale Carnegie.


.........it's a classic ( any bookstore has it ).

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/How_to_Win_Friends_and_Influence_People

Not only will it help you in outlining how to structure a conversation in general, but it'll help you see how the manner in which you communicate can make people see you in the most favorable light.

[billdozer]

Read threads started by me.

Haven't you been owned enough already?

[napoleon1769]

I laughed out loud, really loud on this one... thanks for the reminder that nahim.a.a returned a deoderant that he used.:lol: :lol:

Anyone have a link to the thread? :cheesygri

[BlueMax]

I'm surprised noone's suggested going to Toastmasters! I've been meaning to go, myself...

[danns]

Watch startrek? The lexicon is futuristic and you'll be ahead of the game.

Read scientific journals, I always learn a few new words or learn different styles of linguistics.

Or just find some friends which match your ideal stereotype and mimic them.

[Peckerwood]

When Peckerwood gets going, you practically need a dictionary to understand what he is saying.
Having a family of University graduates helps too...especially when they instigate a series of debates in their various fields of interests and expertise.

What gives enormous pleasure is watching my two sisters enable a measure of aggressive personal attacks on each others major studies as a recourse to extended debature when they have exhausted their mental acuity due to a lack of alertness in due measure to a loss of sleep, and a greater consumption of certain spirits and liqueurs.

The reason for the amusement in their respective fields is plainly obvious when it comes to light that one is but a mere education professional(grade school teacher), and the other is a Religious History major(spiritual loudmouth)

"This coming from someone whose classmates are all 6 yrs old"

"Silence bible bookie"

To add insult to injury they are also Catholics.

:D

[LonesomeDove]

Trying watching My Fair Lady the movie, which was based on Pygmalion by George Bernard Shaw. The movie was made in 1964 and was the Best Picture for that year. Starring Audrey Hepburn and Rex Harrison.

Repeat after me, "The rain in Spain stays mainly in the plain".

[BlueMax]

Repeat after me, "The rain in Spain stays mainly in the plain".
Even the Flintstones had a crack at that one!
"The ants in France stay mainly on the plants."


Seriously... Toastmasters!

[HSK]

Get off RFD. RFD = Not Reading.

This place is full of people that are less articulate, cultured and socialable than you. Reading what they write will make you stupider.

[isom3tric]

Read the book........


" How to Win Friends and Influence People " - by Dale Carnegie.


.........it's a classic ( any bookstore has it ).

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/How_to_Win_Friends_and_Influence_People

Not only will it help you in outlining how to structure a conversation in general, but it'll help you see how the manner in which you communicate can make people see you in the most favorable light.

+1

I've read it, didn't practice it though but its quite interesting. It's a cheap book too ~$10

[Setz]

Kind of related to the topic, but can anyone suggest a way to get over a fear of phones? I stutter when I talk and phones = killer for me. Probably why a lot of my deals go sour, 'cause I always refuse to use the phone as a means of communication.

[EbonyRose]

Get off RFD. RFD = Not Reading.

This place is full of people that are less articulate, cultured and socialable than you. Reading what they write will make you stupider.

It's kinda funny that you used "stupider" in your response, because "stupider" is not a word. The correct phrase to use is more stupid.

[sexpuppet6000]

Read the book........


" How to Win Friends and Influence People " - by Dale Carnegie.


.........it's a classic ( any bookstore has it ).

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/How_to_Win_Friends_and_Influence_People

Not only will it help you in outlining how to structure a conversation in general, but it'll help you see how the manner in which you communicate can make people see you in the most favorable light.

Been there, done that. :D

[Dash]

when people talk to you, just nod your head and say "indubitably".

[effie]

From M*A*S*H:

Pierce and McIntire lay out rules you need to bluff in intellectual conversation (even if you are an idiot who has never heard of War and Peace, true now as they were in 1951:

a) “That’s highly significant.”
b) “I consider that horse and buggy thinking”
c) “Ah! Bach!”
d) look bored.
e) “Well, I’m partial to the fugue!”

That’s all you need.

[TheCheez]

when people talk to you, just nod your head and say "indubitably".

Also you must "concur" with things.

[Dash]

Also you must "concur" with things.

oh, indubitably.

[Talamasca]

Also you must "concur" with things.

I concur. :)

[poedua]

It's kinda funny that you used "stupider" in your response, because "stupider" is not a word.

The correct phrase to use is more stupid.

And the correct words to use would be " kind of ".......... instead of " kinda " IMO.;)

[joeym]

im like, and im like, and like ...

[lonelydriver]

like others have said try reading a wider variety of things. classic novels, plays etc., news/business magazines

also get out more. watch plays, operas,

[Blunt]

Watch BET? :-0

[ji2o0k]

I'm surprised noone's suggested going to Toastmasters! I've been meaning to go, myself...
Join Toastmasters
someone did, on pg.2.
+3 on Toastmasters, become a Master Debater. Practice 'bating as much as you can and become really good at it.
Get off RFD. RFD = Not Reading.
not sure how getting off will help. Oh wait, is this related to what I posted above?

[blainehamilton]

I know this sounds kind of stupid, but pick up a DS and some brain exercise games, like Brain Age 1 and 2, etc.

My inlaws started using these a few months ago, and it's pretty scary how sharp they have gotten.

[EbonyRose]

And the correct words to use would be " kind of ".......... instead of " kinda " IMO.;)

Hehe, yes, it would be "kind of", but I guess internet spelling habits die hard.

[BlueMax]

If you're gonna' type slang, just remember your apostrophes, then s'okay! kinda' ;)

[danfromwaterloo]

I find that I process language a little slower than other people. It may have a little to do with shyness but I was wondering how I could sound more confident without being too shallow?

To become more articulate, you should expand your vocabulary. Use bigger words where appropriate. The easiest way to do so is to read more. Doing crosswords help somewhat, but the more you read, the quicker your language will alter.

Cultured? Be polite, courteous, and learn social graces. Take interest in things that cultured people have interest in: the stage (plays/ballet), sailing, golf, etc.

Basically, pretend you're rich.

[napoleon1769]

I know this sounds kind of stupid, but pick up a DS and some brain exercise games, like Brain Age 1 and 2, etc.

My inlaws started using these a few months ago, and it's pretty scary how sharp they have gotten.

In what ways?

[JeVartan]

I concur. :)


And do a lot of "I reckon.." and "I fancy..."

Also say "I beg your pardon" instead of saying "Excuse me" when you want someone to clarify or repeat what they said.