Becoming an eloquent speaker is a journey that requires effort, intentionality, and the willingness to break free from unhelpful habits.
Whether you’re speaking at a professional conference, addressing a congregation, or simply sharing your thoughts in a team meeting, your ability to communicate effectively can set you apart.
In Nigeria, a country rich in culture and diversity, eloquence is often seen as a hallmark of leadership and professionalism. And in a globalized world where Nigerians are increasingly competing on international platforms, the ability to speak confidently and persuasively has never been more important.
However, many people struggle with habits that hinder their ability to articulate ideas clearly and connect with their audience. If you desire to be an exceptional communicator, it’s time to let go of these habits. We will discuss seven of these habits below.
Here’s how you can refine your speaking skills and take your communication to the next level.
Table of Contents
Habits To Lose To Become An Eloquent Speaker
1. Overusing Filler Words (Um, Ah, You Know,…)
Filler words are the silent enemies of eloquence. Words like “um,” “ah,” “you know,” “actually“, and “like” creep into your speech and make you sound uncertain or unprepared. While occasional use of these words is natural, excessive reliance on them can distract your audience and weaken your message.
How to Break This Habit
Practice Speaking Slowly: Speak at a moderate pace to give yourself time to think and avoid fillers.
Pause Intentionally: Replace fillers with pauses to give your words more impact and give your audience time to absorb your points.
Record Yourself: Regularly record your practice sessions to identify patterns of filler word usage and work on reducing them.
2. Neglecting Preparation
Some people believe that eloquence is an innate talent, but nothing could be farther from the truth.
Even the most skilled speakers spend significant time preparing. Neglecting preparation often leads to rambling, forgetting key points, or appearing disorganized (Yes! You read that right).
How to Break This Habit
Outline Your Speech: Start with a clear structure; introduction, body, and conclusion.
Rehearse Thoroughly: Practice in front of a mirror, record your speech, or rehearse with friends to refine your delivery.
Research Your Audience: Understand who they are, their expectations, and how to tailor your message to resonate with them.
Preparation doesn’t just build confidence; it ensures you leave a lasting impression.
3. Ignoring Body Language
Your words only tell part of the story. Studies show that non-verbal communication accounts for up to 55% of how your message is received. Slouching, avoiding eye contact, or crossing your arms can undermine your message, no matter how eloquently you speak.
How to Break This Habit
Maintain Eye Contact: Connect with your audience by looking at them directly, but of course, do well to avoid staring at a single person.
Use Gestures Purposefully: Complement your words with meaningful hand movements to emphasize key points.
Stand Tall: Your posture conveys confidence, so stand upright with your shoulders back.
In Nigeria, where cultural expressions often include gestures, mastering body language can greatly enhance your communication.
4. Overloading Your Speech with Jargon or Complex Words
While it might be tempting to showcase your vocabulary, overloading your speech with technical jargon or overly complex words can alienate your audience. This is especially true when addressing diverse Nigerian audiences with varying levels of understanding.
How to Break This Habit
Use Simple, Clear Language: Prioritize clarity over complexity. Your goal is to communicate, not confuse.
Explain Necessary Terms: If you must use technical language, take a moment to explain it to ensure everyone understands.
Focus on Relatability: Use anecdotes, examples, or analogies that your audience can easily relate to.
Eloquence is about being understood, not sounding sophisticated.
5. Speaking Without Passion
Monotone delivery and lack of enthusiasm can make even the most insightful messages forgettable. People resonate with passion; it’s what makes your speech memorable and inspiring.
How to Break This Habit
Find Personal Connection: Relate your message to your personal experiences or beliefs to naturally infuse emotion into your speech.
Vary Your Tone: Adjust your pitch and volume to emphasize key points and maintain the attention of your audience.
Engage Emotionally: Share stories, ask rhetorical questions, or use humor to connect with your audience on an emotional level.
In a nation such as Nigeria, where storytelling is deeply rooted in culture, passion can help bridge the gap between you and your audience.
6. Talking Too Much, Void Of Listening
Effective communication is a two-way street. Speaking eloquently is important, but failing to listen to your audience can make your message seem self-centered or perhaps irrelevant.
How to Break This Habit
Encourage Interaction: Ask questions, invite feedback, and be attentive to audience reactions.
Adapt to Your Audience: Pay attention to cues like body language or facial expressions and adjust your delivery as needed.
Practice Active Listening: When engaging in conversations, listen fully before responding.
In a society, where communal conversations are highly valued, listening shows respect and fosters stronger connections.
7. Focusing Too Much on Perfection
Striving for perfection can be counterproductive as it at times leads to unnecessary stress. And as such, can hinder your ability to connect authentically. Audiences appreciate sincerity and vulnerability over robotic precision.
How to Break This Habit
Embrace Imperfections: Accept that occasional mistakes are natural and often go unnoticed by your audience.
Prioritise Connection Over Perfection: Focus on building rapport and delivering value, rather than obsessing over flawless delivery.
Learn From Mistakes: Treat every speaking opportunity as a chance to improve.
Eloquence doesn’t mean perfection; it means authenticity and relatability.
Final Thoughts
Becoming an eloquent speaker isn’t about being born with a silver tongue; it’s about unlearning bad habits and cultivating better ones. So, whether you’re a student, professional, or community leader, effective communication can open doors to endless opportunities.
Start by eliminating these seven habits, and you’ll definitely be on your way to captivating audiences with every word you speak.
Remember, eloquence is a skill; and like any skill, it does improve with practice, patience, and persistence.
Read also: 6 Effective Ways To Boost Your Communication Skills
1 comment
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