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How to Speak Smartly | Powerful Tips to Impress Anyone | Graded Reader 🔥| Improve Your Communication
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Welcome back to our channel, English
with Ethan.
Today we are going to talk about
something that can completely change the
way people look at you. How to speak smartly.
smartly.
Speaking smartly is not about showing
off big fancy words or trying to sound
like someone you're not. It's about
speaking in a way that is clear,
confident, and makes others respect and
trust you. When you speak smartly,
people pay attention, they remember your
words, and they take you seriously.
Let's begin with tip one. And I will
explain it in full detail so you can
start using it today.
Tip one, think before you speak. This is
the number one habit of smart speakers.
They never rush into words. Before they
open their mouth, they give themselves a
small pause to think. That pause might
be just 2 or 3 seconds, but it makes a
huge difference in how you sound.
Why is this important?
When we speak without thinking, we often
use filler words like um you know like
or we start talking in circles without
making a clear point. This makes us
sound nervous, unsure or even
unprepared. But when we take a small
moment to think, we give our brain time
to organize our thoughts and choose the
best words. This makes us sound
confident, calm, and in control. How to
practice thinking before speaking. One
pause for a breath. Whenever someone
asks you something or you're about to
share your opinion, take a slow breath
in before answering.
This short pause will stop you from
rushing and will give your mind time to
prepare the best answer.
Two, know your main point. In your head,
quickly ask yourself,
what is the one main idea I want to
share? Once you know that, speak
directly about it instead of going in
many directions. Three, use short
sentences. Long and complicated
sentences can confuse people. Smart
speakers keep their sentences short and
clear so that the listener understands
every word without effort.
Four, avoid filler words. Words like um
ah, you know, like can make you sound
less confident. Thinking before you
speak helps you avoid them naturally.
Example, imagine someone asks you, "How
was the meeting?"
A person who doesn't think before
speaking might say uh yeah it was fine
you know we talked about some stuff like
um the project and things but a smart
speaker would pause for a second think
about the main point and then say it
went very well. We discussed the main
project challenges and decided on the
next steps. See the difference? The
second answer is short, clear, and confident.
confident.
It makes the listener feel you are in
control and know exactly what you're
talking about.
The hidden benefit.
When you think before you speak, you
also gain respect.
People start to notice that you choose
your words carefully.
They will listen more closely because
they know you only speak when you have
something meaningful to say.
Remember this.
Smart speaking is not about speaking more.
more.
It's about speaking better. Even a few
words when chosen carefully can have
more power than a long unplanned speech.
Tip two, use the power of simple words.
Many people think that to sound smart,
they need to use big, complicated words.
Words that most people don't even understand.
understand.
But here's the truth. The smartest
speakers in the world use the simplest words.
words.
Why? Because the goal of speaking is not
to impress people. It's to make them
understand you clearly.
Think about it. When you listen to a
great leader, a successful businessman,
or an inspiring teacher, do they fill
their speech with difficult vocabulary?
No. They speak in a way that everyone
from a school student to a professional
can understand.
This is what makes them powerful communicators.
communicators.
Why simple words better? One, they are
clear. Simple words are easy to
understand so people can focus on your
message, not on trying to figure out
what you mean. Two, they build
connection. When you speak simply, you
connect with people's hearts and minds.
They feel you are talking to them, not
at them. Three, they show confidence.
Some people use difficult words to hide
insecurity, but a truly confident person
knows they don't need to complicate
things to sound smart.
Four, they make you memorable. People
remember short simple phrases, not long
confusing sentences.
How to practice speaking with simple
words? Replace complex with clear. If
you find yourself about to use a big
word, ask yourself, is there a simpler
word I can use that means the same
thing? For example, instead of utilize,
say use.
Instead of commence, say start. Instead
of endeavor, say try. Speak like you're
talking to a 12year-old.
This doesn't mean you make your speech childish.
childish.
It means you explain things in a way
that even a young person can understand quickly.
quickly.
Avoid overloading with details.
Don't give every tiny detail unless it's necessary.
necessary.
Too much information can overwhelm your
listener. Example, imagine you are
explaining a project to your team.
Complicated version. Our current
objective entails the execution of
strategic methodologies to optimize
productivity in alignment with our
long-term organizational vision.
Simple version.
Our goal is to find better ways to work
so we can achieve our company's future
plans. Both sentences mean the same
thing. But which one will people
remember and understand instantly?
The simple one. The secret advantage of
simple words. When you use simple words,
you allow your tone, confidence, and
message to shine.
People will not be distracted by your vocabulary.
vocabulary.
They will focus on your ideas. And in
the end, ideas change the world, not
complicated words. Remember, it's not
about the size of your words. It's about
the strength of your message. Speak so
clearly that even if a person hears you
only once, they will remember your words forever.
forever.
Tip three,
control your tone and pace. Now that we
have learned the importance of thinking
before we speak and using simple words,
we need to talk about something that
decides how your words actually feel to
the listener.
your tone and pace. Think about this.
Two people can say the same sentence,
but one sounds boring and forgettable,
while the other sounds powerful and inspiring.
inspiring.
The difference is not in the words, but
in how they say them. Your tone and your
pace are like the music of your speech.
Even if you have the best words, if your
tone is flat or your speed is wrong,
people will lose interest. But if your
tone is warm, confident, and your pace
is balanced, people will stay hooked
until your last word.
One, what is tone? Your tone is the
emotion and attitude in your voice. It
shows whether you are happy, serious,
excited, or confident. A smart speaker
knows how to control their tone
depending on the situation.
If you speak about something exciting,
your tone should be energetic and positive.
positive.
If you speak about something serious,
your tone should be calm and steady.
Why this matters? If your tone doesn't
match your message, people get confused.
Imagine saying, "I am so happy for you,"
in a dull, flat voice. it won't feel
genuine at all. Two, what is pace? Pace
is the speed at which you speak.
Speaking too fast can make you sound
nervous and hard to follow. Speaking too
slowly can make you sound boring or
unsure. A smart speaker knows how to
balance both. Rule of thumb, speak at a
speed where your listener has time to
understand each sentence, but not so
slow that they get bored. How to master
tone and pace. A. Use the smile voice
technique. When you smile while talking,
your voice naturally sounds warmer and
friendlier. People can hear the smile
even if they can't see you. B. Pause for
impact. Don't rush from one idea to the
next. Use small pauses to let important
points sink in. For example, confidence
is not about speaking louder. pause.
It's about speaking with certainty.
C stress key words. If you want your
audience to remember something,
emphasize that word by saying it
slightly louder or slower.
For example, the most important thing is
to stay calm under pressure.
D. Adjust to the mood. If the
conversation is casual, be relaxed. If
it's formal, keep your tone professional.
professional.
If it's inspiring, make it uplifting.
Example, wrong tone and pace.
Imagine you are giving a motivational
speech. You can achieve your dreams if
you work hard every day and never give
up on what you believe in. Spoken in a
flat, fast tone. Now, the same sentence
with the right tone and pace. You can
achieve your dreams if you work hard
every day and never give up on what you
believe in. Spoken with warmth, pauses
and emphasis on achieve your dreams and
never give up. Feel the difference. The
second one touches emotions.
Extra tip, record yourself. The easiest
way to improve your tone and pace is to
record yourself speaking and listen to
it. You'll immediately notice if you
sound too fast, too flat, or too low in
energy. Then you can practice adjusting
until it sounds clear and confident.
The hidden power of tone and pace.
Your words are the vehicle, but your
tone and pace are the fuel.
Without the right fuel, your words won't
go far. With the right tone, people will
not only understand you, they will feel
you. And when they feel you, they will
trust you, respect you, and remember
you. Remember, people may forget your
exact words, but they will never forget
how your voice made them feel.
Tip four, listen more than you speak. We
have already talked about thinking
before speaking, using simple words and
controlling tone and pace. Now we arrive
at one of the most underestimated
secrets of smart speaking. Listening
more than you speak. Yes, I know it
sounds strange. We're talking about
speaking smartly, but here I am telling
you to listen. But here's the truth. The
smartest speakers are also the best listeners.
listeners.
Why listening is a superpower for smart
speaking one it gives you knowledge
before you speak. When you listen
carefully you collect all the facts,
details and emotions before giving your answer.
answer.
This means you won't speak blindly or
make silly mistakes.
Two, it makes people feel valued.
When you truly listen to someone, they
feel respected.
This creates trust and when people trust
you, they pay more attention when you
finally speak. Three,
Three,
it helps you choose the perfect words.
By listening to a person's tone,
emotion, and needs, you can adjust your
words to match their situation.
That's what makes your speech smart.
It's tailored to the listener.
Four, it avoids unnecessary arguments.
Many fights and misunderstandings happen
because people don't listen. When you
listen first, you understand the full
picture before responding.
How to practice listening more than speaking.
speaking.
Step one, give full attention.
When someone is speaking, put away
distractions. No phone checking, no
looking around. Show through your body
language that you are listening. Step
two, don't interrupt. Let the other
person finish completely before you
respond. Even if you think you already
know what they're going to say, wait
until they finish. Step three, use
active listening signals. Nod your head.
Say small acknowledgements like, "I see
that's interesting." Or, "Okay." These
signals show that you are engaged. Step
four, repeat or paraphrase. Before
answering, repeat a short summary of
what they said. For example, so you're
saying that the meeting was delayed
because the documents weren't ready.
This proves you understood correctly and
prevents misunderstandings.
Example, poor listener verse smart
listener. Poor listener. A friend says,
"I had a really bad day at work." My
boss shouted at me. "You quickly jump
in." "Oh, that's nothing. My day was worse."
worse."
Result: The friend feels ignored and unimportant.
unimportant.
Smart listener.
Friend: I had a really bad day at work.
My boss shouted at me. You? That sounds
tough. What happened? Pause. Listen
fully. then respond with empathy.
Result: The friend feels heard,
respected, and connected. The secret
link between listening and speaking
smartly. When you listen deeply, you can
answer with precision. Instead of
throwing random words, you deliver
exactly what the other person needs to hear.
hear.
This is why the world's best leaders,
negotiators, and public speakers spend
more time listening than talking.
Think about great interviewers like
Oprah Winfrey or top podcast hosts. They
don't just talk, they listen. They make
people feel important. And when they
finally speak, their words have weight
and meaning.
Practice drill.
The 7030 rule.
If you want to train yourself, follow
this rule in conversations.
Listen for 70% of the time. speak for
30% of the time. This doesn't mean you
should always be silent.
It means you give more space for the
other person to express themselves
before you respond.
This makes your speech sharper and more impactful.
impactful.
Remember, when you speak, you are only
repeating what you already know. But
when you listen, you learn something
new. And the more you learn, the smarter
your words will become.
Tip five, use stories and examples to
make your point. We've already learned
that smart speaking is about more than
just words. It's about clarity, tone,
and connection.
Now, we're going to talk about one of
the most powerful tools in smart
speaking, the ability to use stories and
examples to explain your message.
Why stories make you a smart speaker?
Think about it. Since the beginning of
human history, people have used stories
to teach lessons, share wisdom, and
inspire others. Long before books or the
internet existed, knowledge was passed
down through storytelling.
Why? Because our brains are wired for
stories. When we hear plain facts, we
might forget them after a few minutes.
But when we hear those same facts inside
a story, we remember them for years.
For example, if I say never give up when
life gets hard, it's good advice, but
you might forget it. But if I tell you a
story about someone who failed many
times and still succeeded, you'll
remember both the story and the lesson.
That's why smart speakers use stories
and examples.
They don't just tell, they show. The
science behind it. When you tell a
story, multiple parts of your listener's
brain activate. Language centers process
your words. Sensory areas imagine the
sights, sounds, and feelings. Emotional
centers connect with the message. This
means your listener isn't just hearing
you, they're experiencing your message.
That's why stories are so powerful.
How to use stories in smart speaking?
One, keep it relevant. Your story should
always connect directly to the point you
are making.
Don't tell random stories that confuse
your audience. Example,
Example,
if you're talking about the importance
of patience, share a story where
patience led to success. Two,
Two,
keep it short but vivid. A story doesn't
have to be long to be powerful. Describe
it in a way that creates a picture in
the listener's mind. Use details about
what happened, how it felt, and what you
learned. Three, add a clear lesson.
Always end your story with a takeaway.
Tell your audience exactly what they
should learn from it. example in action.
Let's say you're teaching about staying
calm in stressful situations
without a story.
You should always stay calm in stressful situations
situations
with a story.
I remember a time when my friend was
giving a presentation at work and
suddenly the projector stopped working.
Everyone in the room started whispering
and he could have panicked
but instead he smiled, made a joke about
technology and continued speaking
without slides.
People admired his confidence and in the
end his presentation was a success.
That's when I learned staying calm under
pressure can turn a bad moment into a
great one. Which one do you think people
will remember? The second one, because
it's a story,
using examples.
When you don't have a story. If you
don't have a personal story, you can
still use examples.
Examples are like many stories. They
show what you mean in a simple, clear
way. For instance, if you're talking
about teamwork, you can use a sports example.
example.
A football team can have the best
striker in the world, but without good
defenders and midfielders, they can't
win. The same is true for any workplace.
You need every role to work together.
Practice exercise.
Story bank. To become a smart speaker,
build your own story bank. Write down
five to 10 personal experiences that
taught you an important lesson. For each
story, note the key details and the main takeaway.
takeaway.
When speaking, choose a story from your
bank that fits the topic. The secret
benefit of using stories.
When you tell a story, you're not just teaching,
teaching,
you're connecting.
People may forget exact words, but they
never forget how you made them feel.
and feelings are what make your message powerful.
powerful.
Smart speaking is not about proving
you're the most knowledgeable person in
the room. It's about making sure your
words stick in the minds of your listeners.
listeners.
Stories do exactly that. Tip six,
choose your words carefully and speak
with purpose.
We've learned how to think before
speaking. Use simple words, control tone
and pace. Listen deeply and use stories
to make an impact.
Now we come to one of the most important
parts of speaking smartly.
Word choice and purpose. A smart speaker
does not waste words. Every sentence,
every phrase has a reason. They don't
just talk to fill silence. They speak to
create meaning. Why word choice matters
in smart speaking? Words are like seeds.
When you plant them in someone's mind,
they can grow into ideas, actions, and
even emotions.
But here's the thing. Not all seeds grow
the way we want.
A careless word can hurt someone's
feelings, confuse your message, or
damage your credibility. A smart speaker
understands that the wrong word even in
a perfect speech can weaken the whole
message while the right word can make it unforgettable.
unforgettable.
Think about these two sentences. One,
you failed the project. Two, the project
didn't go as planned, but here's how we
can fix it.
Both mean something went wrong, but the
second one encourages action and problem
solving instead of making the listener
feel attacked.
That's the power of careful word choice.
Speaking with purpose.
Speaking with purpose means you know
exactly why you're saying something
before you say it. Ask yourself, am I
speaking to inform? Am I speaking to
inspire? Am I speaking to solve a
problem? Am I speaking to build a relationship?
relationship?
When you know your purpose, your words
become more direct, powerful, and
effective. Steps to choosing your words carefully.
carefully.
One, avoid unnecessary words. Filler
phrases like kind of, sort of, you know,
and basically weaken your speech.
Instead of saying, "I think maybe this
could work," say this will work because
two, replace negative words with neutral
or positive ones. Negative words can
close people's minds. Positive or
neutral words keep them open to
listening. Instead of this is a problem,
say this is a challenge we can solve.
Instead of I can't do this, say I
haven't found the way yet. Three, be
specific, not vague. Vague language
confuses people. Specific language
builds trust. Instead of we'll do it
soon, say we'll finish it by Friday.
Four, match your words to your audience.
If you're talking to children, use
simple, playful words. If you're talking
to professionals, use clear,
professional terms. Five, avoid over
complication. Big words are not always
impressive. They can make you sound
arrogant or unclear. Clarity is more
powerful than complexity.
Example, careless words versus smart
words. Careless words. Honestly, this
idea is bad. We should do something
else. Direct but rude creates defensiveness.
defensiveness.
Smart words. I see your point, but maybe
we can improve it by trying this
approach instead. Still honest, but
respectful and solution focused.
Practice exercise.
The three filters rule. Before you say
something, quickly ask yourself three
questions. One, is it true? Am I sharing
accurate and honest information?
Two, is it necessary? Does it need to be
said right now? Three, is it kind? Am I
saying it in a respectful and positive
way? If your words pass all three
filters, you can speak them with
confidence. The hidden power of
purposeful speaking.
When you choose words carefully and
speak with purpose, people see you as a
thoughtful, reliable, and intelligent communicator.
communicator.
You'll notice that people interrupt you
less because your words carry weight.
People remember your phrases and even
quote you later. You naturally start
influencing others without even trying.
Advanced tip: Word hooks. A word hook is
a short, memorable phrase that people
can easily repeat. Smart speakers often
use them to make their message stick.
Examples: Less talk, more action.
Clarity is power.
Listen twice, speak once. When you speak
with hooks like these, your audience
will remember them long after your
conversation ends. Words can heal or
hurt, inspire or discourage, build or destroy.
destroy.
A smart speaker knows that every word is
a choice. And they choose the words that
build trust, inspire action, and create understanding.
understanding.
Remember, your voice is your power. Your
words are your tools. Use them with
purpose, and you will always speak
smartly. Tip seven, build confidence
through practice and self-belief.
We have reached our final tip and it is
the one that holds all the other tips together.
together. Confidence.
Confidence.
Because here's the truth. You can know
all the right techniques, all the right
words, and all the right speaking habits,
habits,
but if you lack confidence, your message
will not have the power it deserves.
Speaking smartly is not just about what
you say or how you say it.
It's also about the energy you bring
with your words.
And that energy comes from confidence.
Why confidence matters in smart
speaking? Think about the most powerful
speeches in history, the most inspiring
leaders, the most influential teachers.
Were they all perfect in grammar,
vocabulary, or pronunciation?
No. But they had something bigger. the
belief in themselves and in their message.
message.
Confidence makes your voice steady.
Confidence makes your words sound
certain. Confidence makes people trust
you even before they fully understand
what you are saying. And the best part,
confidence is not something you are born
with. It's something you build. Step one,
one,
prepare before you speak.
Confidence grows when you feel prepared.
If you are giving a speech, know your
topic well. If you are going to a
meeting, review the key points. If you
are telling a story, know the sequence
before you start. When you are prepared,
your mind is free to focus on delivery
instead of worrying about what to say next.
next. Example,
Example,
if you're introducing yourself in an
interview, don't wait to figure it out
in the moment. Write down and practice a
clear, short introduction in advance.
That preparation will make you sound
confident instantly.
Step two, practice out loud.
Many people prepare in their head, but
they never say the words out loud until
the real moment comes. This is a mistake.
mistake.
Speaking out loud before the real
situation helps you hear how your voice
sounds. Notice if your sentences are too
long or complicated.
Practice pauses and tone changes.
You can practice in front of a mirror.
Record yourself on your phone or speak
to a friend who can give feedback.
Step three,
control your body language.
Confidence is not only heard in your
voice, it's seen in your body. Even if
people can't hear your words perfectly,
they can sense your confidence by how
you stand, how you look, and how you
move. Body language tips. Stand or sit
straight. A strong posture sends a
strong message. Keep your chin slightly
up. It shows assurance. Use open hand
gestures. It makes you appear
trustworthy. Make eye contact. It
creates connection and shows you believe
in yourself.
Step four, change your inner voice.
Sometimes the biggest enemy of our
confidence is not the audience, but the
little voice inside our head that says,
"What if I make a mistake?
What if they don't like my answer?
What if I sound stupid?
Smart speakers replace these thoughts
with empowering ones. I have something
valuable to share. I am prepared and I
can handle this. My words matter and
people want to hear them. Remember, the
way you speak to yourself decides the
way you speak to others. Step five,
start small, grow big. You don't need to
start your confidence journey by
speaking to a huge crowd. Begin with
small steps.
Speak more in everyday conversations.
Ask a question in a small meeting. Share
your opinion in a group discussion.
Every time you speak, you collect a
confidence win. Over time, these wins
stack up and speaking smartly becomes
natural. Step six, accept that mistakes
are normal. Even the greatest speakers
make mistakes. They mispronounce words,
lose their place, or forget a point. But
here's the difference. They don't panic.
They stay calm, smile, and keep going.
When you accept that mistakes are part
of the process, your fear will reduce.
Remember, people don't expect
perfection. They expect sincerity and clarity.
clarity.
Step seven, believe in your message.
Confidence grows when you truly believe
in what you are saying. If your message
matters to you, it will matter to
others. Speak about things you care
about. Things that can help, inspire, or
guide others. Passion is contagious.
When you believe, others will believe,
too. Example, low confidence versus high confidence.
confidence.
Low confidence. I'm not sure if this is
right, but maybe we can try this. I
don't know.
High confidence.
I suggest we try this approach because
it can save time and improve results.
The second version is direct, clear, and
makes the listener feel that you know
what you're talking about, even if your
idea is new.
Daily confidence building routine for
speaking smartly. One, read out loud for
five minutes.
Choose a book or article and read it as
if you're presenting it to an audience.
Two, record a one minute talk. Pick any
topic and record yourself speaking on
it. Three, learn one new word daily.
Expand your vocabulary slowly but
steadily. Practice eye contact in
conversations. Look at the person's eyes
for at least 3 seconds before looking
away. Five
positive affirmations.
Every morning say, "I am confident.
My words have value. People respect my voice."
voice."
Confidence is not about being the
loudest person in the room. It's about
being the person who speaks with
certainty. clarity and purpose. You
build confidence by preparing,
practicing, improving a little every day
and believing in yourself even when you
feel nervous. And here's the golden rule
of smart speaking.
When you combine skill with confidence,
your words can change lives,
including your own.
and friends. If you found these tips
helpful and you want to keep learning
powerful ways to improve your speaking
skills, then don't just watch and leave.
Hit that subscribe button now. Join our
family where every video makes you more
confident, sharper, and smarter in the
way you speak. Turn on the bell icon so
you never miss a single lesson that
could change your life.
Because here we don't just talk,
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