Struggling to Find the Right Words When Speaking? How Do You Overcome This?

I am short of words while speaking. Can anybody tell me how to deal with this problem?

Lack of good words?

Try reading more good English books, newspapers, and keep a dictionary handy so that when you are stuck, you can seek help. Hope this approach will work for you, but it requires a lot of dedication, determination, and patience as well.

Hello TS,

Do you mean "stammering" Gauhar? Or are your spoken communication skills very poor? If it's the latter, how are your written communication skills? Do you have this problem only in English or in any language?

I think you need to provide full details if you want anyone to help out, Gauhar. Otherwise, no one will respond, and then you might feel that CiteHR is a lousy forum where no one bothers to help, only a place for chit-chat, right? So, please provide more information. As there's a saying (I know Kavita will say... not again :P), "If you want the right answer, you have to ask the right question."

Regards,
TS

Look Gauhar, now Ditti has found another interpretation for your question - and you can't blame her for that, since that too could be another correct way. Please do give more details.

Regards, TS

I think she is referring to the lack of choice of words while speaking, which means maybe not a strong vocabulary.

Well, if that's the case, Gauhar, then go with what Ditti said. Also, try to speak on something for at least 10 minutes without preparing for it. For example, when you get up in the morning, start speaking about the first thing that you notice about the morning, your room, or anything.

Also, try to learn at least five new words from the dictionary every day and ensure that you use them in some meaningful sentences on the very same day.

Hope this helps!!! Thanks

You will need to read a lot. Try "The Hindu" paper, especially when it comes to editorials. Read aloud, it's good!

Dear Members,

Since Gauhar987 has demonstrated that he is short of words even in written communication, we can make an intelligent guess.

Being short of words to accurately describe a situation or solution cannot be overcome without a rich vocabulary from the concerned domain. Especially if it is a technical subject, each term has a specific meaning. Hence, one would do well to read, read, and read reference material from the concerned domain.

Being short of words in a competing, collaborating, compromising, avoiding, or accommodating kind of situation needs an interplay of assertiveness and cooperation in various combinations. This comes from having traveled on this road often, i.e., out of experience.

Being short of words could be deciphered as an inadequacy in communication skills. This includes listening skills. Get yourself tested for communication skills.

There could be medico-psychological issues.

Whatever the reason may be, it can be easily overcome. Only one person's determination is all that matters. And that person is YOU.

Hi Guhar,

Request you to kindly elaborate on your problem next time when you post. This will enable us to have a proper insight into the situation to offer our words.

Also, please mention "Loss of words" in which language - "Mother tongue or English."

"Loss of words" would literally mean being unable to think of something to say, i.e., unable to put your thoughts into words or simply unable to express what you know or feel.

Else, "Loss of word" term also refers to a medical weakness where people tend to forget what they know, similar to short-term memory loss (need not be afraid, this is common in everybody, only the percentage varies).

As far as the first case goes, it's an outcome of human nature due to anxiety, shock, surprise, fear, etc. So, all you need to work on is how you put your flow of thoughts in a logical manner to reason out. Initially, think of a very small passage in your mother tongue and write it down just as you thought or wanted it to be (don't do any corrections - as it would turn out to be correct most of the time). Then try to convey (don't translate) the same passage or conversation that took place in your life, etc., in the desired language and write it down. Check if the message is conveyed exactly the way you wanted. Now, go through the words carefully and see the usage of words, what words you have missed, etc., and also check the grammar. This way, you might know what you are lacking in. Then (remember), don't translate; try to find equivalent words in the desired language. Do this for a week or a little while, and meanwhile, try to learn as many words as you can. You can follow the above-said ideas from our members here.

Once you find the words to depict your thoughts, bingo, then your fear and anxiety would fade on their own.

Hey, but do respond to us what exactly you meant by "loss of words."

On second thought, whenever you want to convey a message, be clear of emotional feelings. Sometimes they may hinder the usage of the right words. It is wise to think and then talk. Don't be fast with your words. Read a lot, read what you like reading. This will help you.

Everyone seems to be on the show...EXCEPT Gauhar987. I only hope it doesn't become like the story of the 4 blind men & the elephant!!! Let's wait till he/she (?) responds... at least that's what I feel.

Rgds, TS

Dear Gauhar,

Greetings.

I would suggest you to read an English newspaper daily (aloud) for 15 minutes, as well as start reading novels and speak a lot in English. If you are not getting enough words in English, still continue in simple words but don't revert to your mother tongue.

Cheers,
Anjali

Hi,

To have good verbal communication, you need to be a good listener and a good reader. While listening and reading, your concentration needs to be good. Don't listen or read and then forget. Whenever you come across a new phrase or word, keep it in mind and try to use it in the future. If you develop this habit, you will be rich with words.

Cheers!
Ashwini

Gauhar, what is your mother language? Do you only have problems when speaking English?

Dear Gauhar,

Try to read aloud whatever you read. This practice increases your confidence and helps solve your problems.

Regards,
Pavan

Thank you, Kavitack.

But I just noticed one thing—after a very long time, someone is pronouncing my name as 'satheesh' instead of 'sateesh'... not that it matters in any way. The last one was my boss between 1987-1996.

Hey, Kavita... now don't get any ideas that I want you to be my boss too—ok :p?

Rgds, TS

Just to add on...

I think to overcome the problem of the loss of words, one should take a simple passage either in Hindi or any other language one is comfortable with and start translating the passage into English. After the translation, read the passage and then translate it again using synonyms of the words you used the first time.

I believe this approach will not only help us understand the meaning of a word and its synonyms but also its usage, eventually enhancing our vocabulary to a certain extent. Otherwise, reading aloud is always a dependable way to improve.

This method may be helpful!

Thanks