1. Listen to yourself speak

1.听自己说话

Record yourself in a natural conversation; for example, replay a conference call or have a friend interview you on tape. Listen for technical issues, such as filler words, up talk, monotone, and run-on sentences, as well as any habits that sound awkward or uncomfortable. Identifying the problem is the first step toward tackling it.

给自己的一次普通对话录音，比如重播一次电话会议或让朋友采访你并录音，你主要听听技术上的问题，如填充词、升调、语调单一、不断句，还有任何听起来很别扭让人不舒服的习惯。发现问题是解决问题的第一步。

2. Monitor your speed

2.掌握好语速

Aim for about 155 to 175 words per minute for normal conversation. If you’re reciting background information or summarizing something, pick up the pace. If you’re explaining something more technical, slow it down.

你的目标是要在正常对话中每分钟说155-175个词。详述背景信息或总结时语速要加快，解释更专业的知识时语速要放慢。

3. Eliminate filler words

3.去掉填充词

If you’re wondering how to be more articulate, it’s probably because you’ve caught yourself over-utilizing words such as “um,” “like,” and “ahh,” which can make you sound unsure and inarticulate. “Let’s move on to…”, “Another important consideration is…”, and “Let’s transition to talking about…” are great replacements¹.

如果你想知道如何能表达得更清楚，可能是因为你发现自己说了太多用烂了的词，如“嗯”、“像”、“啊”，这些词让你给人不确定和表达不清的感觉。换成“让我们继续聊…”、“另外一件很重要需要考虑的事是…”、“我们还是讨论…吧”都是不错的选择。

4. Focus on the final sound

4.重点注意最后一个音

Avoid trailing off or mumbling² by making a conscious effort to fully pronounce each syllable³.

尾音不要拖太长也不要含糊不清，要有意识地尽量把每个音节发好。

5. Study other speakers

5.向其他演讲者学习

Find a radio show or podcast you enjoy, and analyze⁴ the host’s speech. He or she can help you identify effective patterns of speech.

找一个你喜欢的广播节目或播客，分析主持人的语言，他们能帮你学到一些有用的语言模式。

6. Speak with confidence

6.说话有自信

Speak with confidence. Extend your vocal⁵ cords by keeping your chin parallel to the floor and sitting up straight, and avoid moving your hands too much (studies show keeping them folded on the table projects trustworthiness).

说话要有自信。下巴保持与地面平行并坐直能拉伸你的声带，手也不要总动（研究表明双手交叉放在桌上让你给人值得信赖的感觉）。

7. Think before you speak

7.三思而后说

Having a clear idea of what you want to say will allow you to organize your thoughts into a coherent structure. It’s that simple.

清楚地知道你想说什么能让你组织好思路使句式连贯，就是这么简单。

8. Address your weaknesses

8.认清自己的弱点

Once you’ve identified your weaknesses, create a plan for addressing them. One strategy is to tackle a specific issue each day.

一旦发现自己的弱点，就要制定一个计划去弥补。有一个方法就是每天解决一个问题。