How do i improve my vocabulary and Idioms when i'm not a talkative person?

Question

and don't have friends. i hang with no one, i'm just generally a loner. and it's affecting my job searches. interviews are a failure because of this. In school i suffered alot in speaking and writing reports.. My vocab is so low even though i listen to TV and even though i'm 26 years old. Any tips?

Answer 1

Read and read and read!! I spent most of my (mostly alone) youth reading everything I could get my hands on. I still sometimes mispronounce a word (due to being able to read it but never having heard it) but I know a *LOT* of words -- too many, in fact! I read dictionaries and encyclopedias, for fun. Still do. That's why I love Yahoo Answers so much -- love to do the research for someone else!

Books are definitely the best answer -- TV, magazines and such are a problem because they are mostly geared to a lower common denominator. Try getting an audio book and the paperback version as well, then follow along so you recognize the words and hear how they are pronounced, too. Look up words on the web that you don't understand, preferably on a site that will pronounce them for you. Find someone to be a penpal with that has an excellent vocabulary. Join a book club, go to literary meetings.

Rant over, sorry. Thanks for listening -- good luck!!

Answer 2

For the circumstances your describe I would offer the idea of increasing your reading, but not just any reading....but reading books by accomplished and educated authors, maybe some of the adventurous classics, newspaper and magazine articles of interest, and attend (as a solo) any local lectures.

Reading may sound like a bit too 'libraryish', but I often learn new words or ways to use them, by the simple historical novels I read.

I have also evolved from a loner past (some of which is still present) and I found enjoyment in attending local educational lectures or presentations. It's like going to a play or a class, and you don't need a companion. Those are the most inexpensive ways to increase vocabulary and grammar, and attending a lecture gives very light exposure to other people, without an obligation to talk to anyone.

Attending live performances - plays - exposes you to words and grammar and also the entertainment and cultural value of attending. This gets a little more expensive, because a ticket is purchased.

Reading is an opportunity to be very visual - to see how someone else uses a word or phrase, and to try to use it yourself at a later time.

Answer 3

Don't trust the TV alone to increase your vocabulary much. Reading is a good source, too. As a supplement, I like reading through "Boost Your Word Power" section Reader's Digest.

But your vocabulary is like a muscle. You have to use it, to exercise it to keep it toned. You need to make some human connections and practise talking to people. If nothing else, have a conversation with yourself. Inside or outside. If you don't want people to think you are crazy, just pop in one of those ear pieces for the mobile phone into your ear, and others will think there is someone else at the other end. And, hey, if you talk to yourself, at least you are guaranteed an intelligent conversation! :)

Answer 4

Community colleges have classes that are geared to help with problems like yours. They are introductory level. The reason I suggest this is because I think college is a great place to meet people and develop communication skills.

You can also get signed up with a program for students with learning difficulties which will offer more help. If money is a problem, there is assistance in that area too.

You don't have to be a social butterfly but you need to have a couple of people you can discuss things with because if you don't practice communication, you're not likely to improve.

By the way, my daughter has similar problems and she just started college this week! Good luck!

Answer 5

READING~

gosh, reading will help u so much. especially if u make flash cards of the words u don't really know, or understand.. look them up in a dictionary, write them down, and memorize them every once in awhile. it is So worth it to be able to understand and speak in a certain fashion, using just the *right* word to convey what u want to say to people!! :) also, try reading the newspaper, magazines, like Time, etc, to brush up on common types and styles of writing. play games, like scrabble, or weboggle (www.weboggle.shackworks.com)......

also, i would suggest working on urself.. why do u feel like a loner? perhaps if u worked on urself, ur appearance, ur mind, and eventually ur confidence, u will feel happy and positive enough To be able to speak in front of others, and in fact converse with them. it's always nice to make new friends, even if they are just acquaintances. try working on speaking more w/ family first, then maybe in class, or at work. it's ok, no reason to be scared or worried what others think. :) good luck~

Answer 6

Get yourself into a good series of books. That is THE best way to learn new vocabulary and expose yourself to new words and expressions. Bar none. I read to my little boy almost every night, and his vocabulary amazes me when I see him compared to other young children his age.

Answer 7

Try toastmasters.

"Toastmasters offers a proven way to improve your communication skills. By participating in a fun and supportive Toastmasters group, you'll become a better speaker and leader and gain confidence to succeed in whatever path you've chosen in life."

Answer 8

when writing, use the thesaurus ALOT. Also, read novels, magazines, books etc.