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Joseph Todd

This course has one simple goal: elevate the way you speak to be more articulate so that people want to listen to what you have to say. Our society is facing an epidemic of poor communication skills. Our vocabulary is vague and sloppy, our conversations littered with “ums”, “you knows”, and “I feel likes” and our thoughts are predictable. We speak the same set of 1000 words and can't break out of our stale word cycle into the realm of verbal freshness or originality.

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This course has one simple goal: elevate the way you speak to be more articulate so that people want to listen to what you have to say. Our society is facing an epidemic of poor communication skills. Our vocabulary is vague and sloppy, our conversations littered with “ums”, “you knows”, and “I feel likes” and our thoughts are predictable. We speak the same set of 1000 words and can't break out of our stale word cycle into the realm of verbal freshness or originality.

Yet even with our language deficiencies we still deeply reverence for power of words. Why are motivational speeches among the most sought out YouTube videos? Why does our culture become so captivated with those individuals who are able to make sense of the unfocused ideas and disorder that occupies our minds? Why do we find quotes on every social media grid, in every garden, in every garage? Because we understand words to have power. And the people who can harness this power to articulately express themselves typically attain better satisfaction and opportunities in their personal, professional, and intellectual lives.

That’s why I created BetterSpeak (now hosted here on Udemy. ). I believe a better world is possible where people embrace language as the superpower that it is. To be clear, this is not a public speaking course. I’m not teaching how to eradicate nervousness, eliminate your accent, develop charisma, control body language, or master conversation. Rather, you will learn to upgrade your vocabulary, prune filler words and empty language, diagnose sources of poor language in your life, speak more figuratively and poetically, and see how history's greatest orators have employed these same techniques.

I hope you would consider joining me in learning the art of articulate communication. To the adventures ahead.

Enroll now

What's inside

Learning objectives

  • Learn how to compose articulate and persuasive speech (in conversation & presentation)
  • Prune filler words and empty language from your speaking
  • Expand your vocabulary and learn how to properly employ new words
  • Sound more poetic and graceful with your expressions
  • Learn effective sentence structure to increase clarity
  • Diagnose your sources of poor language and locate articulate alternatives

Syllabus

Day 3
Pruning Empty Language
Welcome + Introduction!
Start Here: How This Program Works
Read more

Communication Keys Template (make a "copy" and it should be editable): https://docs.google.com/document/d/11EzfBHHWGI_Rm9gs9J2x2aE5HnTE762anhZTPw4Wn90/edit?usp=sharing

Communication Keys Template (make a "copy" and it should be editable): https://docs.google.com/document/d/11EzfBHHWGI_Rm9gs9J2x2aE5HnTE762anhZTPw4Wn90/edit?usp=sharing

Free Word Cloud Generator: https://www.freewordcloudgenerator.com/

SpeechTexter: https://www.speechtexter.com/

Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Explorea la necesidad actual de mejorar las habilidades de comunicación
Enseña técnicas para eliminar palabras y lenguaje vacío
Desarrolla vocabulario y expresión poética
Diseñado para mejorar la claridad y persuasión en la comunicación
Dirigido por instructores expertos con experiencia en comunicación
El curso se enfoca únicamente en mejorar la expresión oral

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Reviews summary

Elevating speech with deep linguistic insights

According to students, "Articulation Unleashed" is a game-changer for improving articulation and clarity in speech. Many highlight its effectiveness in helping them reduce filler words and significantly expand their vocabulary. Learners praise the passionate instructor and the course's unique approach to language, including its focus on figurative language and diagnosing poor habits. While the course is lauded for its conceptual depth and understanding the 'why' behind communication, some learners found it less focused on immediate practical application, wishing for more direct 'how-to' guidance. Overall, it's considered highly valuable for those seeking a profound improvement in their linguistic style.
Offers deep insights, but some desire more direct practical application.
"I found the sections on identifying poor language habits particularly insightful. However, some parts felt a bit theoretical and I wished for more practical application exercises."
"I was hoping for more direct 'how-to' guidance rather than just awareness. It's okay, but didn't quite meet my expectations for practical implementation."
"I expected more practical tools for immediate improvement. It felt very conceptual and focused on high-level understanding rather than actionable steps."
"The deep dive into vocabulary and figurative speech is truly powerful. This course tackles the root of poor communication: our language habits."
Aids in diagnosing and reshaping personal language patterns.
"I found the sections on identifying poor language habits particularly insightful."
"The concept of 'diagnosing inputs' was revelatory. It pushes you to think deeply about language."
"I appreciate the emphasis on understanding the 'why' behind poor communication. It requires commitment, but the payoff is significant."
Instructor praised for clarity, passion, and expertise.
"The instructor is fantastic – very clear, engaging, and passionate."
"The instructor clearly knows their stuff. I particularly liked the exercises that help you self-diagnose your speech patterns."
"The instructor's passion for language is infectious. I feel much more confident in expressing myself."
Excellent methods for vocabulary expansion and eliminating filler words.
"I've always struggled with filler words, and the exercises here genuinely helped me become more aware and reduce them significantly."
"The instructor's approach to vocabulary building is unique and effective, making me think about language in a new way."
"I particularly valued the advice on building a more diverse and precise vocabulary. I feel much more confident in expressing myself."
Significantly improves speaking precision and clarity.
"This course is a game-changer! I've always struggled with filler words, and the exercises here genuinely helped me become more aware and reduce them significantly."
"Truly unleashed my articulation! I especially loved the focus on figurative language and how to weave it into everyday speech. It’s about elevating your entire linguistic style."
"I've seen a noticeable improvement in my professional conversations. My presentations are already more impactful."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Articulation Unleashed: Speak With Precision and Clarity with these activities:
Identify and practice key speaking techniques
Review and practice fundamental speaking techniques covered in earlier coursework to strengthen your foundation.
Browse courses on Speaking
Show steps
  • Review notes and materials from previous courses on speaking techniques.
  • Attend a Toastmasters meeting or enroll in a local speech class to practice these techniques in a group setting.
  • Find a speech online or write your own and practice delivering it.
Create a personal word bank
Expand your vocabulary by creating a personal word bank of new and interesting words encountered during the course.
Browse courses on Vocabulary Building
Show steps
  • Keep a notebook or use a digital tool to record new words encountered during the course.
  • Use resources such as thesauri, dictionaries, or online word lists to find synonyms, antonyms, and definitions.
  • Review your word bank regularly and practice using the words in conversation or writing.
Read 'Articulate: The Power of Words' by Carmine Gallo
Gain insights from a renowned communication expert on the art of effective speaking and harnessing the power of words.
Show steps
  • Read the book thoroughly, taking notes on key concepts and techniques.
  • Apply the principles discussed in the book to your own speaking and communication practices.
Five other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Explore different speech delivery techniques
Develop your speaking skills by exploring different delivery techniques and learning from experts.
Browse courses on Speech Delivery
Show steps
  • Watch videos or tutorials on various speech delivery techniques, such as the Aristotle's three modes of persuasion, the Toulmin model, or the Monroe's Motivated Sequence.
  • Analyze speeches by famous orators or thought leaders to identify and study effective delivery techniques.
  • Practice different techniques in front of a mirror or with a trusted friend or family member for feedback.
Attend a public speaking or communication skills workshop
Enhance your speaking abilities in a hands-on setting by attending a workshop led by experienced professionals.
Browse courses on Public Speaking
Show steps
  • Research and identify reputable public speaking or communication skills workshops in your area.
  • Attend the workshop and actively participate in exercises and discussions.
  • Network with other participants and seek feedback on your speaking.
Engage in regular speaking exercises
Enhance your fluency and confidence by engaging in regular speaking exercises.
Browse courses on Speaking skills
Show steps
  • Join a debate club or participate in online speaking challenges.
  • Volunteer to give presentations or speeches in social or professional settings.
  • Record yourself speaking and analyze your delivery, identifying areas for improvement.
Organize a speaking practice session with classmates
Improve your speaking skills by practicing and receiving feedback from your peers.
Browse courses on Speaking
Show steps
  • Reach out to classmates and schedule a time to meet for a speaking practice session.
  • Prepare a short speech or presentation to present to the group.
  • Deliver your speech and receive feedback from your peers on your delivery, content, and overall effectiveness.
Participate in a speech contest or debate competition
Challenge yourself and test your speaking abilities by participating in a competitive environment.
Browse courses on Public Speaking
Show steps
  • Research and identify speech contests or debate competitions that align with your interests.
  • Prepare a speech or debate topic and practice extensively.
  • Participate in the competition and deliver your speech or engage in the debate.

Career center

Learners who complete Articulation Unleashed: Speak With Precision and Clarity will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

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