How to Be More Articulate: 8 Must-Follow Secrets to Improve Your Speech

Listen to yourself speak

We know it’s terrifying, but nothing will squash those verbal ticks quite like listening to yourself speak. 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. These conversation starters will make you instantly more interesting.