How can I talk more sophicated?

Question

I want to talk more sophicated. I'm very smart, but hate talking in teenage slang. I recently read Twilight by Stephenie Meyer, and fell in love with the way Edward Cullen spoke. So eloquent, perfect, mesmerizing. How can I speak like that? Any help?

Answer 1

One of the things that may help you to speak properly and in eloquent, elegant English would be to read some classics. You'll find that some of the greats wrote (and spoke) beautifully.

For instance Jane Austen's novels might help (Pride and Prejudice, Sense and Sensibility, Emma, Persuasion, Mansfield Park and Northanger Abbey). There is also Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte, books by Charles Dickens (some of his characters use the slang of the day, but his writing style and the main characters usually speak properly), and many others. Though it's outdated, William Shakespeare's language is beautiful. C.S. Lewis' books are all examples of perfect English. You may also find J.R.R. Tolkien, Sir Walter Scott, William Makepeace Thackeray, Anthony Trollope, P.G. Wodehouse, Taylor Caldwell (not classics but an excellent writer), Agatha Christie, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, George Bernard Shaw and others useful.

Woe Is I: The Grammarphobe's Guide to Better English in Plain English by Patricia T. O'Conner is an excellent book for improving your grammar, too.

As you read these, you'll begin to absorb some of their ways of speaking. Then it will take practice, because you have to break certain habits (for instance, if you often say "yea" instead of "yes").

I hope this helps.

Answer 2

Eloquence is less a matter of avoiding slang and more about having something to say and stating it clearly. Most teenagers sound unsophisticated because their opinions go no deeper than "that's cool" or "that sucks". Try to communicate why you think it's cool or not. Don't try to use "refined" language or fancy words; you'll just sound pretentious. But know what you think, and why, and express it as precisely as you can. Reading widely will help you expand your vocabulary and syntax so you can express yourself better. Then, seek out people with whom you can have intelligent conversations and hone your wits against theirs.

Answer 3

It's actually not something too easy to start doing. People will look at you weird and you'll have to put up with some teasing I'm sure. BUT the BEST way to start is to work up a vocabulary (yes you do need to start spelling better as well...or at least proof reading), start annunciating better and if you're able to go see someone that specializing in helping people with this sort of thing. You will have to learn the proper pronunciation for words and proper sentence structure. It is a LOT of work. Definitely not something you will pick up over night.

Answer 4

Being well read will be of assistance to you ; try by reading books considered to be the classics .
I like to read the dictionary or a set of encyclopaedias . There are books out there that will help you to improve your eloquence and diction ; the more you expand your lexicon the better your ability to apply words that are more specific to the situation because the words you employ are more precise than the vernacular slang which is colloquial .
Happy & safe holidays ! :0)

Answer 5

At least you didn't preface your narrative with the word OK.

Begin by enunciating every word you speak, talking slow, but deliberate before a mirror. Recognize those slang words you wish to shun (I think that's great!) and strike them from your vocabulary.

At every opportunity to speak before a group of people--regardless if it is one person or a hundred of them, enunciate your words carefully, speak clearly, and look the audience in the eyes when possible.

Focus on correct posture and avoid distractive mannerisms that can become annoying to others.

Answer 6

Take communication classes-maybe join a speech and debate team. Read the newspaper and adult literature. Try British fiction-DuMaurier, Dickens, Austen, and many others.
Don't be too hard on yourself. You will outgrow a lot of the slang.

Answer 7

If you hate slang, keep it to a minimum. Do not try to sound too sophisticated, either words you barely understand, or a "cultured accent". Both sound phony. Read more.

Your question was well written.

Answer 8

Try going to college..It opens your mind.at the same time!!....Just because you can say "It rains in Spain, mostly in the plain............does not mean you have an educated brain..

Answer 9

just force yourself to do it, or act how you are... a teenager.

Answer 10

use bigger words and dont cuss