The Relationship between Confidence and Vocabulary Building
Confidence and vocabulary building often go hand in hand, although the context of their relationship varies according to the depth and size of your vocabulary. The following tips below will help ensure that your confidence and vocabulary improve together.
Increase in Vocabulary = Increase in Self-Confidence.
This is the ultimate goal to keep in mind. The better your vocabulary is and the more words you have at your disposal, the greater your self-confidence will be. How can you not be confident when you know you have everything you need to express yourself effectively?.
Neglecting Your Vocabulary = Risking Your Self-Esteem.
Nothing ventured, nothing gained, as they say. If you want a great vocabulary, you have to work hard for it. In addition, you have to be willing to use your new vocabulary in conversation, and take the chance that other people might not understand, or appreciate, your use of language. In addition, we're not perfect, and there are times when you might make a mistake with a new word – but that's okay, too. Consider it as an opportunity cost for learning.
Do not hesitate to test out new words with other people.
How can you be sure that you really understood how a word is properly used if you don't try it out in conversation or when writing or messaging someone?
If you made a mistake, shrug it off – and move on.
Humans make mistakes. It's one of the most basic facts in the world. The important thing is to learn from your mistakes and not to repeat it again.
Look for a vocabulary practice partner.
You will gain more confidence from your vocabulary building exercises more quickly if you have a practice partner to work with. Both of you can help test out your new words on each other. Being able to give each other support and encouragement is also a big help. With a practice partner, you can at least minimize the risk of embarrassing yourself with a faux pas.
Do not forget pronunciation.
Aside from using a word incorrectly, a lot of people also end up feeling embarrassed by their mispronunciation. If you are determined to build your vocabulary, do it all the way. Do it right by taking note of not just the definitions of words but of their pronunciation as well. Be especially careful with borrowed terms from other languages.
When in doubt – ask!
There is nothing wrong in asking other people for help. If you do not want to risk making a mistake with your choice of words, then why not ask someone for help? Even your friendly neighborhood search engine (hello, Mr. Google!) can help you out.
If someone laughs at your mistake then the joke is on him!
There is nothing wrong about testing out a new word to figure out if you have truly mastered its usage. If someone can't excuse you for wanting to learn and improve your vocabulary, it's his problem – not yours. You'll be the one who laughs last, as you increase your self-confidence, build your professional career, and enjoy all of the benefits of an improved vocabulary.
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