Word Choice

Sentence Diagram

Long a part of English grammar lessons, using a sentence diagram teaches you to arrange the parts of a sentence like a picture in order to show the relationship of words and groups of words within the sentence. Understanding the basics of a sentence diagram may help you learn to vary your sentence structure to provide more interesting writing and makes more for enjoyable listening.

Verbs, Nouns, Adjectives, etc
Understanding parts of speech and using correct grammar in your speech is necessary for effective communication. Grammatical errors are distracting and will tax your audience’s listening skills.

Punctuation
A basic knowledge of appropriate punctuation is another useful basic grammar tool. Incorrect application can lead to fumblings as you read, as well as audience confusion.

Spelling
Spelling is important to consider as a part of public speaking preparation. When you are writing your speech, make sure everything you write is truly what you want to say. A misspelling can cause you to mispronounce a word, or say the wrong word.

Tense Agreement
In proper grammar, subjects and verbs must agree, or be consistent in terms of tense, number, person, and gender.

For example, answer this question.

When he was only thirty years old, he ......... already experienced what most people only experience when they are much older.

• (a) has
• (b) had
• (c) is
• (d) was

Passive vs Active Voice
Using an active voice in your speaking means you say the noun followed by its action.

Which sounds better?

• It was decided by the Homecoming Committee that the dance would be postponed by a week.
• The Homecoming Committee decided to delay the dance for one week.

The first sentence is passive and the second sentence is active. Using an active voice in your speeches has several advantages. It’s shorter, easier to understand, and stronger, more effective communication skill.

Vocabulary

Word of the Day
It is important to continue to develop your vocabulary. Learning a new vocabulary word every day will not only help with your reading skills, and prepare for standardized tests, you will also become a better speaker. Adding a word a day is a manageable way to expand your basic vocabulary and make your speaking more interesting.

Context
Context is the words, phrases, and information that surround a word in a passage and help you to determine the meaning of the word. Building your English vocabulary is more than just learning new words; you must be able to use them appropriately as well.

Slang
Slang words are very informally used words. Key words to avoid i.e. like, so, whatever and abbreviations for words are all incorrect methods of professional verbal communication and poor manners.

More Verbal Communication Articles
Learn more about Speech & Communication
Watch Speech Videos