How to increase your vocabulary
Problems with putting thoughts into words are familiar to many. Difficulties are not always associated with insufficient vocabulary, although the importance of a rich personal vocabulary should not be downplayed. Why do people who have no difficulty writing texts become surprisingly tongue-tied during live communication?
Perhaps the habit of simplifying and replacing words with gestures, interjections and repetition of the simplest phrases arises from a lack of communication. The inability to express one’s feelings and thoughts coherently and clearly interferes with understanding and creates a less than pleasant impression of the speaker. An obvious way to develop speech is by reading good fiction. Sooner or later, quantity will turn into quality, and speech will become expressive. We offer you several manuals containing techniques that will speed up the process of mastering the skills of bright and competent oral speech.
Radislav Gandapas “Kama Sutra for the speaker”
The title of the book is not only a marketing ploy and a provocation. Giving the title to his work, the author proceeded from the fact that everything done with pleasure is crowned with success. Another argument in favor of this title, according to Radislav Gandapas, is that the speaker has some kind of intimate connection with the audience, and the speaker in this case must take a male position. This analogy is confirmed by the examples given in the book. The Kama Sutra for the Speaker examines important issues that arise in the process of speaking or communicating: how to cope with anxiety, how to build the outline of a speech, how to attract and maintain attention, how eye contact and motor skills work.
The book will be useful to everyone who organizes presentations, conducts seminars, participates in conferences, etc.
Foreign classics
Enjoying translations of foreign masterpieces helps you understand the motives behind the behavior of different nationalities and view events from an unusual angle.
- Classic England - Arthur Conan Doyle invites you to become immersed in English traditions, investigate incredible puzzles, play dangerous games, unravel intrigues together with the famous detective, in the series about Sherlock Holmes. William Shakespeare described the tragedy and difficulties of growing up in Romeo and Juliet. Shakespeare's verbal techniques are famous all over the world; the poet's books are sure to color the speech of book lovers with new colors.
- French creations - The Dreamer Jules Verne “Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea” is easily understood at any age. The books of the French master instill a love of literature.
- The American Dream - Theodore Dreiser "The Financier" will describe the realities of capitalism and add a couple of economic terms to the vocabulary.
- Mark Twain in “The Adventures of Tom Sawyer” will infect you with the spirit of adventurism and teach you American slang.
I. B. Golub, D. E. Rosenthal “Secrets of good speech”
According to textbooks by D.E. Rosenthal and I.B. Golub studied Russian for several generations of philologists, journalists, and editors. The masters reveal the secrets of correct speech and help get rid of mistakes. The language of the book is simple and understandable to everyone, so anyone can learn the “Secrets of Good Speech”, regardless of age and level of training. In an entertaining way, the authors talked about what a beautiful and correct speech should be like, and revealed the techniques of oratory. The material is easily perceived using examples of excerpts from the works of Russian writers and poets.
“Do we know Russian?” – Maria Aksenova
In fact, Maria Aksenova has a whole series of three books entitled “Do We Know Russian?”, but if you like the first one, then you’ll pay attention to the other two. The author takes a thread from the world and writes about all the interesting things from linguistics, philology, spelling and even journalism that are associated with the correct or incorrect use of language norms. As the name suggests, the main emphasis is on mistakes, and mistakes that are most often funny or unexpected. The only negative that is often attributed to the author is the abundance of exclamation marks. What can you do, she reacts very emotionally to mistakes in her beloved native language.
Tatyana Kulikovskaya “Expanding the vocabulary of children 2-4 years old”
Speech therapist Tatyana Kulikovskaya wrote this book so that parents could teach their child correct speech. Teaching children begins with onomatopoeic words: meow-meow, aw-aw, etc. and gradually moves on to more complex words. Lessons with your child will not take more than 10 minutes a day, but the basics of speaking will be laid. The benefit is necessary if the child already has speech problems. With the help of this book, parents will help their child learn simple words and become familiar with phenomena and objects.
Classical sources
For the development of speech in adults, books can be different. Some contain specific exercises, others are aimed at expanding vocabulary. Quality training requires an integrated approach.
An adult is sure that at his age little can be changed. Jack London's book "Martin Eden" talks about the life of an ordinary hard worker, unencumbered by education and secular upbringing.
He falls in love with the aristocratic Ruth, but they have different social status. The young man begins to actively engage in self-education, write stories and poems. The meaning of the novel lies elsewhere, in the clash between the bourgeoisie and socialists. Martin Eden successfully proved that you can change at any age.
To develop speech, they read books, but not all of them are suitable. Classic literature has been tested for centuries. It has been studied at school for several years, and it contributes to:
- formation of ideas about history and culture;
- thinking about philosophical questions;
- expansion of vocabulary.
The ability to use quotes, aphorisms, and beautifully decorate speech helps an adult in his work. An approximate list of works can be found in literature textbooks.
Without proper preparation, the process will be long and difficult. Classic literature is difficult to perceive for the unprepared. There is no need to stop reading it, it will become easier over time.
There are many great families in Russian literature. These are Turgenev, Dostoevsky, Leo Tolstoy and others. Start with light, short pieces. Later they move on to monumental works.
Fiction is not limited to Russian authors. Foreign, Western and Eastern writers and poets are worthy of attention. Ancient philosophers and famous thinkers help expand your vocabulary.
Olga Gromova “No Bib”
The series was developed specifically for children and includes, in addition to “No Bibika,” the books “Top-Top,” “Boom,” “Don’t Cry, Bunny” and others. You will be able to talk to your child by showing him pictures and engaging him in communication with gestures and words. Kids enjoy participating in games and, along the way, learn new phenomena, objects and their names.
The book contains colorful, large illustrations that are accessible to children. Simple texts compiled by a specialist are interesting to children and encourage them to pronounce new words. In addition to the main text, the book contains recommendations for parents to help teach their child to communicate with words and gestures.
© Elena Staretskaya, BBF.RU
Domestic classics
Getting to know the great works that influenced the formation of native speech and moral values will certainly expand everyone’s vocabulary:
- M.V. Lomonosov - collections of poems, letters and translations of Mikhail Vasilyevich Lomonosov, scientist, founder of Russian poetic culture - a treasure trove of new words. The poet introduced the following concepts into the Russian language: “pump”, “mine”, “drawing”.
- N.M. Karamzin - the work of a literary figure had a significant impact on the development of native speech. The historian and writer created neologisms (humane, love, public) and barbarisms (coachman, sidewalk). Books recommended for familiarization: “Poor Liza”, “History of the Russian State”.
- F.M. Dostoevsky is a world-famous novelist, innovator and philosopher. The books: “Crime and Punishment”, “Demons”, “The Idiot” and “The Brothers Karamazov” are known all over the world. Immersion in psychological games and dilemmas of the characters will make you empathize and feel. Reading Dostoevsky will fill your speech with unexpected forms and shades.
- A.S. Pushkin is the foundation of Russian literature, the owner of the widest vocabulary (approximately 25,000 lexemes) among the country's literary figures. The writer's fairy tales and poems are analyzed into quotes and catchphrases. A journey through the pages of the prose writer’s works will replenish the “repository” of words of any book lover.
Books for the development of speech in adults
Any adult can benefit from reading. Firstly, it is a daily workout for the brain. Secondly, it is a replenishment of vocabulary. Thirdly, broadening your horizons.
Every person needs to read scientific literature at least occasionally. In these books you can find answers to many questions that have not allowed you to sleep peacefully for many years in a row. Such books will help us understand what is happening around us, the origin of unusual phenomena, and explain the main problems of the unity of man and nature. Reading such books will give you new knowledge that will never be superfluous. Everyone chooses which one to read; we offer the best and most affordable options.
Radislav Gandapas "Kama Sutra for the speaker." In the book, a famous businessman and speaker shares the secrets of speaking in public. If you are always nervous about giving a speech in front of an audience, want to gain support and attention from the audience, and also learn to enjoy it, this book is for you.
Korney Chukovsky “Alive as life.” This book is dedicated to the development of the Russian language and is still relevant today. From here you will learn a lot about how language changes over time, and you will understand why it is so important to speak correctly. After its publication, this book received a wide response.
Sergey Filippov “Business graters. Negotiationology". In this book, the author shares his negotiation technique, which consists of 7 levels. It also provides practical tools and visual techniques that you can start using immediately after reading.
William Urey "Make an agreement with yourself... and other worthy opponents." The question is simple: how can you negotiate with people if you cannot agree with yourself? The main obstacle to obtaining results is ourselves, namely our desire to build only on our own desires and interests. The author will tell you what needs to be changed in order to begin to understand your opponents and influence them.
Maxim Krongauz “The Russian language is on the verge of a nervous breakdown.” The book talks about the main changes in the Russian language over the 21st century. The author considers such problems as mixing styles, changes in grammar, loosening of spelling and orthographic norms. It is worth noting that although the book was written by a linguist, the author’s position is optimistic, and the first chapter is called “Notes of an enlightened layman.”
Irina Levontina “Russian with a dictionary.” The book will also talk about the latest trends in the language. It is interesting because it does not just provide boring articles regarding individual words, but this is presented in the form of a cultural analysis, namely, the author tries to understand what is changing in people’s heads, that they are beginning to pronounce certain words differently.
Evgenia Shestakova “Speak beautifully and confidently.” The voice is just an instrument. And we learn to deal with it throughout our lives. The author of the book offers a unique methodology and system of exercises, thanks to which you can get rid of shortcomings in your speech and consolidate the results obtained.
Sam Horn "Just a minute. How to intrigue and captivate any audience.” Did you know that fixing a person’s attention on any object takes about 8 seconds? If you don’t interest the audience in 8 seconds, they will absolutely stop listening to you. Therefore, in this short period of time, you need to captivate your listeners as much as possible, and in this book you will learn how.
World classics also contribute to the development of speech. These books were assigned to us at school as literature for the summer, because each such work takes up more than one hundred pages. In each such book, psychology, philosophy, history and many other sciences are very beautifully intertwined. Such works not only improve vocabulary and broaden one’s horizons, but also make one think for a long time about the problems of existence. Such literature can be discussed for hours in search of the main idea of the entire work, because everyone who read such a book will have their own opinion. These works have long taken place in the libraries of all literature lovers.
Children's literature
From an early age, the role of books in a child’s life is invaluable. And not only for speech development. The book opens the door for a little person to a huge unknown world that he has to feel and know.
The mother’s voice guides the baby through the pages of his favorite books, the imagination draws fairy-tale images, the intonation awakens interest and makes you watch the unfolding plot with bated breath. At such moments, a close emotional connection is established between the child and the adult, which gives the baby a feeling of security and peace.
Russian literature has in its arsenal many means for growing out of a small person “a human being with a big Russian soul.” Fairy tales, poems, and nursery rhymes develop the imagination, teach kindness, compassion, and caring for one’s neighbor.
"Brain Plasticity" Doidge Norman
The brain is largely responsible for intelligence and everything else depends on its well-functioning functioning. For example, after a stroke, complete recovery is possible only due to the fact that the work of the damaged areas is completely taken over by the remaining intact neighboring parts. In addition, the brain can be trained just like muscles in the gym. Also, one of the revolutionary discoveries was the fact that thought can change the structure of the brain. Moreover, negative thoughts have a similar destructive effect, and a positive attitude can help develop the efficiency of the most important organ in the body. The book describes in detail all these features, and also tells how you can use them for the benefit of your intellect and the body as a whole.
"The Power of Habit" Charles Duhitg
The author argues that all human behavior is based on habits. Most often, habits are so strong that they completely control a person. It is difficult to change the situation, but it is possible. It is enough just to replace existing habits with those that only bring benefits. To do this you need to be patient and willpower. To begin with, you should force yourself to do simple things regularly: make your bed, brush your teeth, do exercises. This alone can significantly change life for the better.
"The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat" Oliver Sacks
Despite the fact that the title of the book seems funny, its content can cause sadness. The famous neuroscientist Oliver Sacks in his work gives a number of recommendations to develop intelligence. To do this, he uses clinical cases from his practice, explaining incredible stories by the peculiarities of the brain. He uses concepts of mindfulness, psycho-emotional health, and brain structure and function. Also, much attention is paid to the phenomenon of memory, mind and personality. Reading this book will help not only develop your intellect, but also better understand this world.
“I want to speak beautifully! Speech techniques" from Natalia Rom
Excellent literature for those who are wondering what book to read to develop their speech. The basic principles of constructing correct pronunciation are described in detail here. Books that develop speech are not boring volumes of endless rules. After all, authors approach their creations with reverence. It is important for them to convey the necessary information to the reader. Thus, Natalya Rom not only helps you speak well, but also teaches you how to hold the attention of your interlocutor.
The manual can be a good help for people in various fields of activity. Because today many specialties involve live communication. Could there be anything better than an experienced employee who knows how to make contacts? Learn to speak clearly, and books that develop speech and vocabulary will help you do this efficiently and quickly.
“Remember everything” Arthur Dumchev
On the path to the development of intelligence, the development of memory becomes an important stage. The book “Remember Everything” from the Russian scientist Arthur Dumchev is intended to help in this matter. The quality of the author’s methodology is evidenced by the fact that he remembers the number “Pi” to the last digit. The book describes in detail what human memory is, what it is like and how to develop it most effectively. The work will allow you to understand what bright prospects await a person with a good memory and how much stress and tension can be relieved from the need to remember a huge number of things in everyday life.
"Ignite Yourself" John Ratey
The author of this book is a doctor and psychiatrist. This gives the content of the book special value for the reader. John Ratey argues that physical activity stimulates human intellectual development. By engaging the body's systems in exercise, neurochemicals are produced that are essential for brain health. The nervous system is strengthened, depression and panic attacks are prevented. Sports will also help eradicate bad habits and avoid early aging. All this will allow you to effectively develop the capabilities of your brain.
Websites and blogs
Gramota.ru
Benefit . It will help you check the spelling of a word and find out its meaning. About the resource . Gramota.ru is a reference and information portal dedicated to the Russian language and everything connected with it. On the site you will find reference materials and literature, a word checking service, you can write a dictation and check your literacy level.
"Interactive dictation"
Benefit . Identifies gaps in knowledge and determines the level of language proficiency. About the resource . The Moscow City Methodological Center has developed a series of interactive dictations based on the texts of classics of Russian literature.
"Textology"
Benefit . He will tell you interesting things about the language and rules, and will help you prepare for the exam. About the resource . The online magazine “Textology” will help improve your Russian language. Here you will find reference materials and dictionaries to help with vocabulary, spelling and punctuation.
"Literacy on the Chalk"
Benefit . Stop making stupid mistakes and fall in love with the Russian language. About the blog . A blog on Mel.fm, in which common mistakes in spoken and written speech are analyzed using tests and games.
"Total dictation"
Benefit . Remember everything you once learned at school. About the resource . The online school of the all-Russian campaign “Total Dictation” publishes Russian language lessons that will help you remember the basic rules, sort out common mistakes and expand your vocabulary.
