With Tamara Phiri

 

Expand Your Vocabulary


How you present yourself has a profound impact on how you will be viewed by society. Style Watch has explored many different situations that give the opportunity to be a “style star” winning praise from those around us; in interviews, at parties, even when planning your “look”.

If you have been following Style Watch, you should now have an idea about how to make a great first impression. But no matter how confident you feel about your appearance, it is important to remember that this is just one way that you make an impression on others. The moment you open your mouth, you will be making a second impression – and you need to be prepared!
Having confidence in speaking is essential when you are trying to make a good impression on potential employers, or even a potential love interest! A top-notch vocabulary is an easy way to add some spice and sophistication to your “style star” personality.
The most important thing to remember is that people will be put off if you are using words you don’t understand – or worse, if you appear to be “showing off” with big vocabulary – especially if you mispronounce or misuse the word! As you build your vocabulary, make sure that you fully understand the meaning of words, and that you can pronounce them correctly. Use the new words in sentences in order to build your confidence.

Try to learn one new word a day – and use that word as often as you can. After some time, you will adopt the new word into your normal vocabulary and won’t feel awkward using it in conversations.
A few vocabulary words to get you on your way are listed below. Have fun!

Killjoy: A person who doesn’t want to have any fun. “We were having such fun at the party until that killjoy John said that we all had to go home!”

Slapdash: Careless, sloppy. “If you do a slapdash job on your application letter you might not be asked for an interview."

Upshot: Outcome. “The upshot of the rematch was that former champions regained their title.”

© Montfort Media, 2007