According to Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary, eloquence is « discourse marked by force and persuasiveness; also: the art or power of using such discourse. » The purpose of being eloquent is to persuade an audience or another individual by simply using words. But is that all?
In a world where more social interactions are happening in the virtual world, learning the art of eloquence is losing its appeal. Eloquence is not innate. It is the result of lifelong learning. It is a blend of having good literary knowledge and knowing how to transmit that knowledge into words and physical cues that will resonate with your audience. You need to understand the psychology of who you are interacting with.
First and foremost, try and prepare yourself psychologically. There is no need to stress about a presentation or an interview. With proactive preparation, you can be the one in charge of the situation, even in the face of impromptu questions from the CEO or Hiring Manager. The person in front of you is just that — another person, with their own strengths and weaknesses.
Second, prepare what you will say. This does not mean learning everything by heart; it simply means that you should understand what you are going to say, so as to be able to say it in different ways. Become an expert on the subject. By preparing your presentation or interview, you will be more confident and ready to respond to questions with the appropriate answer.
Third, master body language. Whether standing for a presentation or sitting for an interview, one should demonstrate confidence in their discourse through their gestures. Use your hands as tools to guide your audience through what you are saying.
These tips will not make you a Master of Eloquence tomorrow. Increasing the time you spend reading novels, articles, or literature will equip you with the literary arsenal to become eloquent. Mixed with preparation and practice, you will start to notice that your speech flows more naturally and that your thoughts are more organized.
