How can I be more articulate and easy-going when speaking?

Question

I have ADD which causes me to have a jumbled compilation of thoughts in my head at all times. This causes me to sound quite ignorant when speaking with others, as I sound nervous and uneducated. I slur at times, constantly mispronounce words (not intentionally), and tend to say "umm" while trying to get my words out. How can I control this so that my speech flows out effortlessly and I don't sound like such an idiot when speaking? Thank you.

I tend to interrupt others as well and speak at random tones (sometimes too loud and hyper, sometimes too softly)
I want to sound more consistent and intelligent.

Answer 1

I'm not very familiar with ADD, so please take what I say with many grains of salt.

People are judged intelligent and wise, not by the quantity of what they say, but the quality of what they say. There are many quieter people who are considered very intelligent, simply because they make their words count.

So make your words count by not wasting them.

It's not about saying intelligent things, but about BEING intelligent - and often, that means not saying anything.

So you could consider simply just speaking less at first, and just listening more. There's no need to reply to every little thing. Listen more, and let other people do the talking. (That means no interrupting, too!!! Very important.) You'll feel less nervous and ignorant. So who knows, talking less, listening more, and just being still might even help with your ADD.

Remember, when we talk, we don't learn as much - but when we listen, we have a great opportunity to learn. So make sure that you're listening a lot more than talking - maybe 70-30%, or even 80-20. And when you listen, don't just listen to the words, listen to the person's feelings, thoughts, and life - if you listen very carefully, you'll learn a whole lot. So instead of focusing too much on the thoughts inside your head, focus on the other person's head.

Another good tip might be, instead of thinking of answers and things to say, you could practice thinking of good questions to ask. Usually, we don't know everything about a person's situation/story... so asking questions is a good way to understand the situation more clearly.

So make sure that most of what comes out of your mouth are questions - not answers.

When you do answer, don't be in a rush - think before you speak. (By the way, people will think you are smart, thoughtful, and considerate when you do this.) You say you have a jumbled compilation of thoughts - if so, then use your instinct and try your best to pick out the biggest, most important one. Focus on just that one, and temporarily stow the rest away in a drawer. Express that thought with a KISS: Keep It Short and Simple. If somebody asks you for more information, then give more details. go back to the drawer and pick out the next biggest thoughts.

Over time, all these processes will start to become automatic, and then your speech will begin to seem to flow out effortlessly.

So, simply put:
1. Speak less, Listen more.
2. Ask questions more, rather than give statements or answers.
3. Keep all/most sentences Short and Simple.
4. One thought and sentence at a time.
5. Slow down, take your time. You actually want a slower conversation. Slow is good.
6. And it's OK to be Still and Silent. (It'll help with your ADD.) When you do speak, it'll make your words that much more valuable.
7. You can also practice by talking to yourself. Short, Simple.

I hope some of this is useful for you.

Answer 2

Remember a good listener is always welcomed by all It is the best trait of human being. It builds knowledge and enables to build relation. A listener is always eager to learn more and hence had patience and confidence.While speaking have command over language, control of pitch . Words should we sweet and short. Hve confidence and patience and practice's as much as you can .

Answer 3

Oh, it's alright! That happens to me all the time! Just practice saying words you have trouble with over and over. I cant help with the volume, though, you might just have to live with it. But dont worry, I say umm alot too..

Answer 4

i have so many problems with me any way just be Ur self and don't sound like u studied hard words

Answer 5

listen twice ask once and make sure yournot innterrupting