When we speak in casual conversation, we often take “shortcuts” as we speak. This can include dropping sounds or even entire syllables from words. Unfortunately, these can be extremely detrimental to your message; in a best-case scenario it makes your speech seem sloppy, at worst, it may render your entire message incomprehensible.
Think of common multisyllabic words you use on a day-to-day basis, like refrigerator, telephone, or probably. Odds are, when you’re speaking quickly or engaged in casual conversation, you drop syllables from these words. It’s likely that most people will still understand what you mean when you say “probly” or “fridg-rator”, but syllable dropping can be much more problematic with less commonly used words. If you find you are a habitual syllable dropper, you probably make the same pronunciation errors in words which are particular to your business or your industry, which can be difficult for others to understand if not pronounced clearly and in their entirety.
Even common words should be pronounced in their entirety, particularly in a professional situation. Although your words may be understood, verbal shortcuts will make your speech seem sloppy and unprofessional. It doesn’t matter how strong the content of your message is, if you come across as inarticulate, the impact on your audience will be greatly reduced.
Take the time to read over e-mails, memos, and articles from your business. Underline multisyllabic words (words with greater than two syllables) and practice saying them out loud, pronouncing every sound and syllable. For example: prob –ab- ly; re-frig-er-a-tor. Raising your awareness of pronunciation and your particular habits is a great first-step in improving your articulation. Changing the way you speak and pronouncing each and every syllable may be hard work, but it will help you to become a clearer, more articulate speaker, and take your speech and communication skills to the next level.
Want to learn more? Click on the link below to watch a short video featuring Corporate Speech Solutions founder and president Jayne Latz explaining the importance of pronouncing entire words!
Watch Your Syllables!
When we speak in casual conversation, we often take “shortcuts” as we speak. This can include dropping sounds or even entire syllables from words. Unfortunately, these can be extremely detrimental to your message; in a best-case scenario it makes your speech seem sloppy, at worst, it may render your entire message incomprehensible.
Think of common multisyllabic words you use on a day-to-day basis, like refrigerator, telephone, or probably. Odds are, when you’re speaking quickly or engaged in casual conversation, you drop syllables from these words. It’s likely that most people will still understand what you mean when you say “probly” or “fridg-rator”, but syllable dropping can be much more problematic with less commonly used words. If you find you are a habitual syllable dropper, you probably make the same pronunciation errors in words which are particular to your business or your industry, which can be difficult for others to understand if not pronounced clearly and in their entirety.
Even common words should be pronounced in their entirety, particularly in a professional situation. Although your words may be understood, verbal shortcuts will make your speech seem sloppy and unprofessional. It doesn’t matter how strong the content of your message is, if you come across as inarticulate, the impact on your audience will be greatly reduced.
Take the time to read over e-mails, memos, and articles from your business. Underline multisyllabic words (words with greater than two syllables) and practice saying them out loud, pronouncing every sound and syllable. For example: prob –ab- ly; re-frig-er-a-tor. Raising your awareness of pronunciation and your particular habits is a great first-step in improving your articulation. Changing the way you speak and pronouncing each and every syllable may be hard work, but it will help you to become a clearer, more articulate speaker, and take your speech and communication skills to the next level.
Want to learn more? Click on the link below to watch a short video featuring Corporate Speech Solutions founder and president Jayne Latz explaining the importance of pronouncing entire words!
Do you have questions or comments about improving clarity of your speech? If so, please comment below. For information on the New York Based Speech and Accent Reduction services offered by Corporate Speech Solutions please give us a call at 212-308-7725 or visit us on the web at www.corporatespeechsolutions.com. Not in NYC? No problem! We also provide Skype and video conferencing services.
© 2014, Corporate Speech Solutions of New York City and Long Island – All Rights Reserved
Do you have questions or comments about improving clarity of your speech? If so, please comment below. For information on the New York Based Speech and Accent Reduction services offered by Corporate Speech Solutions please give us a call at 212-308-7725 or visit us on the web at www.corporatespeechsolutions.com. Not in NYC? No problem! We also provide Skype and video conferencing services.
© 2014, Corporate Speech Solutions of New York City and Long Island – All Rights Reserved