How to Use Action Verbs in Public Speaking
Comb the text of your speech, circling every verb., Analyze all verbs that denote a state of being like "is," "was" and "had.", Look at the rest of the verbs., Go back to your state-of-being verbs that are used with other verbs., Practice your...
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Comb the text of your speech
Ignore, for now, the instances when these verbs are used in combination with other verbs to such as "had begged." Look for the verbs that are standing on their own, such as in the phrases "she was angry" or "they are happy." Reword the sentences to replace these verbs with those that are more vivid.
For instance, instead of "she was angry," say "she glowered." Instead of "they are happy," say "they cheer."
Ask yourself if you have used the most specific verb possible.
Consult a thesaurus to find alternatives to these verbs.
Rewrite the sentences with verbs that say exactly what you mean.
For example, instead of saying "she expressed her happiness," say "she smiled." Instead of saying "he ran," say "he jogged" or "he bolted."
These combinations are normally used to construct sentences that help the listener know when the action occurred.
For instance, if you say "he had cheated" after you say "he failed the test," the audience knows that cheating actually occurred before failing.
Consider that many speakers use these verb combinations when they don't need to, which is distracting to the audience.
For example, a speaker might say "I had gone to the courthouse" when "I went to the courthouse" works equally well and is more clear.
Try rewriting these sentences to replace the verb combinations with a single verb.
If you find that making the change means that the speech is less clear, change it back.
Pay special attention to sentences in passive voice, since these kill even the best verbs.
Passive voice means that there is no one causing the action in the sentence.
For instance, "a man was murdered" does not tell the listener who committed the murder.
Unless it's absolutely necessary to use passive voice in the interest of political correctness, such as admitting to a mistake without blaming your boss for it, change all sentences that are in passive voice. , Emphasize the verbs and listen to how your speech has become shorter but more powerful. , Depending on the occasion you're speaking at and the size of your audience, you can do this a little or a lot.
Search out the vowels that are representations of the action they describe.
For instance, the word "zoom" sounds a lot like what you hear when something zooms past you.
Don't just say "zoomed," but draw out the vowel as if imitating the sound of the car speeding past: "Zooomed!" Add inflection to verbs that describe emotion.
A little bit of a growl in your voice, for instance, will help emphasize a word such as "angry." Keep in mind that although you may be standing behind a lectern, you are nonetheless performing a speech.
Be a voice actor. -
Step 2: circling every verb.
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Step 3: Analyze all verbs that denote a state of being like "is
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Step 4: " "was" and "had."
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Step 5: Look at the rest of the verbs.
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Step 6: Go back to your state-of-being verbs that are used with other verbs.
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Step 7: Practice your speech with the new verbs
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Step 8: keeping in mind that the core of a sentence is the verb.
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Step 9: Consider acting out your verbs.
Detailed Guide
Ignore, for now, the instances when these verbs are used in combination with other verbs to such as "had begged." Look for the verbs that are standing on their own, such as in the phrases "she was angry" or "they are happy." Reword the sentences to replace these verbs with those that are more vivid.
For instance, instead of "she was angry," say "she glowered." Instead of "they are happy," say "they cheer."
Ask yourself if you have used the most specific verb possible.
Consult a thesaurus to find alternatives to these verbs.
Rewrite the sentences with verbs that say exactly what you mean.
For example, instead of saying "she expressed her happiness," say "she smiled." Instead of saying "he ran," say "he jogged" or "he bolted."
These combinations are normally used to construct sentences that help the listener know when the action occurred.
For instance, if you say "he had cheated" after you say "he failed the test," the audience knows that cheating actually occurred before failing.
Consider that many speakers use these verb combinations when they don't need to, which is distracting to the audience.
For example, a speaker might say "I had gone to the courthouse" when "I went to the courthouse" works equally well and is more clear.
Try rewriting these sentences to replace the verb combinations with a single verb.
If you find that making the change means that the speech is less clear, change it back.
Pay special attention to sentences in passive voice, since these kill even the best verbs.
Passive voice means that there is no one causing the action in the sentence.
For instance, "a man was murdered" does not tell the listener who committed the murder.
Unless it's absolutely necessary to use passive voice in the interest of political correctness, such as admitting to a mistake without blaming your boss for it, change all sentences that are in passive voice. , Emphasize the verbs and listen to how your speech has become shorter but more powerful. , Depending on the occasion you're speaking at and the size of your audience, you can do this a little or a lot.
Search out the vowels that are representations of the action they describe.
For instance, the word "zoom" sounds a lot like what you hear when something zooms past you.
Don't just say "zoomed," but draw out the vowel as if imitating the sound of the car speeding past: "Zooomed!" Add inflection to verbs that describe emotion.
A little bit of a growl in your voice, for instance, will help emphasize a word such as "angry." Keep in mind that although you may be standing behind a lectern, you are nonetheless performing a speech.
Be a voice actor.
About the Author
Carolyn Kim
Creates helpful guides on pet care to inspire and educate readers.
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