8 Tips to Increase Your Vocabulary

Originally posted June 2006, Reflections Magazine

You must increase your vocabulary if you want to increase your powers of reason and communication and if you want to reach the top levels in your future profession. Company presidents, vice-presidents, executives, inventors and successful entrepreneurs tend to have broader vocabularies than those below them. My students often ask me how best they can increase/expand their vocabulary. Below I present eight tips that might help you become a wordsmith and succeed at anything you propose.

1. Read-Read-Read
My students often say reading when I ask them to mention ways to increase vocabulary. I agree with them but I disagree when they say we should read whatever as long as we read. Vocabulary increases when we read challenging material-material above our heads- not when we read the familiar. We must discriminate when we decide to read to better ourselves. Seek reading lists compiled by literary critics. These lists usually include titles of very difficult books. Some critics call these books classics because of their timeless themes. The critic Harold Bloom compiled what I consider one of the best lists ever and so did Mortimer Adler. Look into those.

2. Intelligent Conversation
People of superior intelligence generally possess superior vocabularies so seek them and learn from them. Longfellow once wrote, “A single conversation across the table with a wise man is better than ten years’ study of books.” Go out of your way to meet and talk with as many gifted and informed people as possible. When they use unfamiliar words interrupt them and ask what those words mean. This tip has an ancillary benefit. In intelligent conversation you can use the new words you learn and intelligent people will understand and appreciate your wealth of words.

3. Broaden Your Experiences
Often we find comfort in the familiar. To increase your vocabulary, however, I suggest you get out and develop an interest in everything. Learn a new hobby. Every endeavor has its own vocabulary. Scuba diving has its own vocabulary as do tennis, gardening, model building. I consider word games like crossword puzzles the most beneficial hobby to increase your vocabulary. Don’t just practice a hobby, however. Read about it as well or join a club. Then you can practice your hobby and talk to knowledgeable people about it. Travel even if just around South Florida and visit the tourist attractions. You will increase your appreciation of this beautiful area and increase your vocabulary. How many of you have toured the lighthouse at Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park for example?

4. A History of Words
You can’t learn something if you don’t develop an interest in it. Develop an interest in word origins. Use this as motivation to increase your vocabulary. Etymology means the study of word/linguistic history. When you learn where words come from you start to understand how words function and you develop an appreciation for their beauty and power.

5. Never Fear Words
Words become part of you through repetition. When you discover a new word force yourself to use it in conversation and in your compositions. You will remember words more easily if you don’t fear them and immediately use them after you hear or read them. This tip has an ancillary benefit. It forces you to think critically because you must find ways to fit new words into your conversations and compositions.

6. Read the Dictionary
Good dictionaries give more than multiple word definitions. They give alternate spellings, synonyms, antonyms, parts of speech, word origins and much more. Invest in a good dictionary and learn to get the maximum benefits form it. Once you recognize the importance of dictionaries you’ll enjoy reading them. If you take the time to read the introductory material in a good desk dictionary you’ll discover much useful information. For example, The American Heritage Dictionary has articles on language, culture and American heritage and debates on language between William F. Buckley, Jr. and Geoffrey Nunberg.

7. Be on the Lookout
To learn new words you must first find new words. Stay alert in conversation so you can hear unfamiliar words. This tip has an ancillary benefit. It helps you become a better listener- the most important of all communication skills. Always try to read with your dictionary at hand. If you ignore the foreign words when you read why read?

8. Stay Motivated

None of the above works unless you do it. If you don’t have a natural interest in words you must create an artificial interest. Remember no one learns without motivation.

These tips or habits will help you increase your vocabulary. It’s that simple so don’t worry, be happy and learn.

Copyright Bert Lorenzo