I was surprised to find that there are 19 definitions for the word
“articulate.” Some of them don’t have anything to do with words (such as the articulated segments of a worm). There were two definitions, however, that help clarify what it means to be articulate:

1. using language easily and fluently; having facility with words: an
articulate speaker.

2. expressed, formulated, or presented with clarity and effectiveness: an articulate thought.

The first speaks to what you might think about being articulate — that it’s an innate gift or talent. While it’s true that certain people have a natural facility with words, the second definition has more universal appeal.  You may not feel you naturally use language “easily and fluently,” but if you work to present your thoughts with clarity and effectiveness, you’ll be amazed how articulate you become, without adding a single word to your vocabulary!

To increase your clarity and effectiveness, consider these three things:

The motive. What’s your purpose for speaking or writing? Do you want to educate, motivate, entertain, build rapport? There are two components to communication — content (what’s being said), and relationship (how you connect). When you’re clear on what information you want to impart, and how you want that information to impact your relationship with the receiver, you can find the best words to meet both objectives.

The audience. Understanding who you’re communicating to, whether it’s one person or a thousand, helps you choose the right topic, words, tone, and delivery method for your audience to fully receive that message. What’s your current relationship to them? What benefit do you both get from the interaction? What perspective or background do they have that affects their ability to understand you?

The takeaway. Knowing what you want (and don’t want) your receivers to take away from your message impacts what you say and write. Do you want people to see something in a different way, feel something new, or take some action?

This seems like a lot to think about just to pick up the phone and
say hi to Aunt Martha, doesn’t it? Certainly the amount of time you spend preparing your message should match the importance of the outcome. But I’ve known people who spend the same amount of time preparing for a staff meeting as they do when calling Aunt Martha. And they often get similar results!

Although some people are naturally good with words, don’t underestimate the value of practice. After all, gifted musicians still spend hours a day at their craft! While you don’t have to spend hours practicing articulation, honing the following skills will greatly improve your verbal and written impact:

Be simple and concise. Use as few words as you can get away with and still get your message across. The truth is, people can take in only so much information. While it takes discipline, the more concise you can be, the more impact you’ll have.

Consciously listen and read. Paying close attention to what other people say and write can be illuminating. Put on your analytical hat the next time you listen to a candidate’s speech or read a news article. What’s your reaction to their words? Do they get to the point or just ramble? Do you believe their message? Do you feel they care about what you think? Use your own experience as a listener or reader to inform how you communicate with others.

Be authentic. You will always be more articulate about what you know and love than what you don’t. Trying to speak or write about something you don’t know or care about can lead to stilted, uncomfortable language that leaves your audience bewildered, unaffected, or worse. So tap into your own knowledge and enthusiasm and let the words flow (concisely)!

Cross-test your message. It’s a good idea to test the clarify of your
message, particularly in your business, by writing down what you’re going to say or saying out loud what you’ve written. Often my clients will draft a networking introduction that “sounds” good on paper, but is an unholy mouthful to say. So to say something important, write it down first to clarify your thoughts. Or write an article then read it out loud and listen for the tone, style, and fluency. If it’s easy to listen to, it’s likely easy to read.

So now you know that being articulate isn’t merely a mystical gift
bestowed on a lucky few. With awareness and practice, you can improve your “clarity and effectiveness” in everything you say and write. Try these ideas over the next week, and notice the difference in how people respond to you!