Poor vocabulary

LegacyUser

Hi,
My problem is that I have great difficulty expressing myself due to a limited vocabulary and also a fear of mucking up and looking like an idiot. I've always been the quiet type and I am quite mathematically minded.

My main problem is describing things though I have problems with other parts of speech. I don't suffer from a disability and I came up as just slightly below average on verbal communication tests when I was in school. I did well in the rest.

I don't think it is very noticeable but it bothers me and I want to do something about it as it gets me down. The obvious thing to do is read more but I was hoping someone could recommend something a little more direct like a book which is specific to my problem or something else.
Thanks in advance

sexdwarf

You don't seem to have any difficulty expressing yourself here! I wouldn't worry about it really. If you feel that you have a poor vocabulary then try and read more, putting the emphasis on vocabulary building. It doesn't have to be War & Peace, even just a few more articles online every day.

Make a point of noting the words you're not familiar with. Try jotting down words you don't know from articles, short stories etc. and learning them. If you hear new words on the radio do the same thing, note them down and look them up afterwards. You'll be surprised how quickly your vocabulary will grow.

I'm similar to you but in the opposite way. I work in journalism so my vocab isn't a problem but I have trouble counting to ten! I really am rubbish at maths! I totally miscalculated while measuring the other day and only bought half the amount of garden decking that I needed and couldn't understand where I'd gone wrong We all have our weak and strong points.

Canard

I'd suggest getting your most used words, and looking for alternatives in a thesauras.
That way, you might even be able to explain words to people if they're used to the simpler forms. :P

LegacyUser

My cousin never did his leaving. He was on the hop throughout 5th and 6th year. He spent most of his time doing crosswords and his vocabulary is immense.

Emme

ljkhkjhjk wrote: »

Hi,
My problem is that I have great difficulty expressing myself due to a limited vocabulary and also a fear of mucking up and looking like an idiot. I've always been the quiet type and I am quite mathematically minded.

My main problem is describing things though I have problems with other parts of speech. I don't suffer from a disability and I came up as just slightly below average on verbal communication tests when I was in school. I did well in the rest.

I don't think it is very noticeable but it bothers me and I want to do something about it as it gets me down. The obvious thing to do is read more but I was hoping someone could recommend something a little more direct like a book which is specific to my problem or something else.
Thanks in advance

You don't have a problem and you're probably more of a linear than an abstract thinker. Most people with a wide vocabulary like to read but they wouldn't be as mathematical as you. I would recommend that you read a fairly serious newspaper every day and you'll get a good grasp of current affairs while increasing your vocabulary.

cherryred

people who are excellent conversationalists don't neccessarily use lots of big words. they're just in tune with who they are and are confident in what they say. I recommend practice!

keep a journal even if you just write in it once a week.
talk to people you are comfortable with, if someone asks you how you are, think and then answer.
once a week think of something that happened to you, strange/funny, practice telling the story/write it down and then next time you're in the pub and the dinner table try it out!

dan_d

Read everything you can lay your hands on.
Do a lot of crosswords.
Think about what you say prior to saying it. While you might consider yourself shy and uncommunicative, people who have verbal diaorrhea are annoying (I don't think I spelt that right!!!)