10 Ways to Enhance Your Vocabulary

A good vocabulary can help you communicate better in everyday life and express yourself in the best way possible.

10 Ways to Enhance Your Vocabulary

A good vocabulary can help you communicate better in everyday life and express yourself in the best way possible. The better your vocabulary is, the more precise you can be about what you are saying or writing.

Why expand your knowledge and use of words? You'll be able to communicate (speak and write) more clearly and concisely, people will understand you more easily, and you will increase the perception (and reality) that you are an intelligent person. Besides, learning new words is a fun activity -- and one you can even do with the people around you. Challenge a friend, family member, or roommate to learn new words with you.

A good vocabulary can help you communicate better in everyday life and express yourself in the best way possible. The better your vocabulary is, the more precise you can be about what you are saying or writing. Regardless of whether you are studying English at school, enjoying your summer vacation or you're not even a student, at all, these 10 methods are your secure path to growth and enrichment in the English vocabulary department.

1. Read Every Day: 

Once you’re out of school, word drills and assigned reading become things of the past. While these were tools for building your vocabulary repertoire while you were young, it doesn’t mean you should abandon reading. Try to read a well-written and edited essay, magazine article, book or news article every day. The more you read -- especially novels and literary works, but also magazines and newspapers -- the more words you'll be exposed to. As you read and uncover new words, use a combination of attempting to derive meaning from the context of the sentence as well as from looking up the definition in a dictionary.

2. Keep a Personal Dictionary:

Remember those early elementary school days when you had your first classes of English and each new word learned had to be documented either in a separate notebook or at the back of your current one? Well, this is actually one of the most efficient ways to learn new vocabulary and track your overall progress. Buy a new notebook or create a new memo on your phone where you will regularly update a word list of all the new English vocabulary you have mastered thus far.

3. Learn New Words Every Day: 

How often do you come across words that are unfamiliar as you read? Don’t just gloss over them; take the time to look them up, and if you don’t have the time right then, write them down and look them up later. To improve your vocabulary quickly, make an effort to learn at least 3 to 5 new words every single day. There are plenty of ways to do this, such as a Word of the Day calendar or email list, or simply picking a word from a thesaurus or dictionary. 

4. Learn from Context:

Research shows that the vast majority of words are learned from context. Learning in context of situations and sentences has huge benefits for all three aspects of vocabulary acquisition, learning, recall and retention. Vocabulary should always be learnt in context not in isolation.

There are many ways of introducing context into the vocabulary learning, the simplest being to learn vocabulary in sentences.

Beyond sentences, one can experiment with learning words with stories, songs or just everyday situations. For instance, rather than learning weather related words on their own, look up a weather forecast online, and try to imagine a conversation about weather next week, and how it will affect the picnic one has been looking forward to so much.

5. Visualize New Words: 

Another research shows that visualization is a great way to remember new words and their meanings. A good example of this is the word stratovolcano, which is a high, pointed mountain with a violent explosion. One way to remember this meaning is the fact that the prefix “strato” sounds like “straight-oh,” which may make you think of a straight ruler or a “straight-o-volcano,” which describes the word’s definition.

6. Repeat, Repeat, Repeat: 

They say repetition is the mother of learning. It is – plain and simple. The way the human brain works is it actually utilizes repetition patterns to strengthen the meaning and usage of everything new that we learn. While it is crucial that you constantly learn new vocabulary, it is pertinent that you revise each and every new word to make the most out of your learning experience and always keep your head in the game.

7. Edit Your Own Writing: 

After you finish writing, be your own editor and go though the piece with a fine-toothed comb to identify overused and nondescript words with something more precise or colorful. Editing is an important process for spotting writing errors, but it’s also great for improving the tone, style, and clarity of your writing. It might help to read the sentences aloud, then note any lack of precision. Search through your memory for more descriptive words, or consult a thesaurus if you need to. As you replace words, remember that using a large number of complex words won’t necessarily clarify the meaning, and it may just make your writing more pompous. Ask yourself, “Do I know a better word to use instead?” You may replace “use” with “acquire” or “obtain,” or “do” with “perform.”

8. Engage in Conversations: 

Your true mastery shines when you are able to use new vocabulary in a real-life setting. Engage in conversations. While doing so, try to include those new words where appropriate as a sign of confidence and for additional practice. Simply talking with other people can help you learn discover new words. As with reading, once you hear a new word, remember to jot it down so that you can study it later -- and then slowly add the new word to your vocabulary.

9. Make Use of Games and Apps: 

This is probably the most frequent method of learning new vocabulary and mastering new languages among the learners of today. Most language learning apps, such as Duolingo, Memrise or QuizUp are vocabulary-centric and utilize repetition and behavioral patterns to aid your learning process and help maximize your time and effort. They're easily accessible and usually don't have any time restraints so you can basically learn only when you want to. This is highly important because you don't need any extra motivation to learn; you're just using your phone as you normally would while also learning something new. Playing board games such as Scrabble and Crosswords helps do the trick, as well.

10. Stay Motivated: 

The last one on the list is something most learners fail at, leading them to either lose the motivation to learn new words or even quit the learning process in its entirety. To avoid doing so, set a particular new word count as your daily or monthly goal. This is actually the backbone of learning anything new, especially when it comes to languages.

In order for you to improve your vocabulary as much as you can, you need to cultivate the curiosity to learn new words every day.

It's the inner motivation that can fast track your progress and get you way past your goals at any given day. 

Some Vocabulary Tools/Websites:

Here are some useful (if slightly random) tools for helping improve your vocabulary: 

• Dictionary.com's Word-of-the-Day
• English-Word Information
• Free Rice: Learn Vocabulary, Donate Rice to UN World Food Program
• Get The Words
• Vocabulary.com: Free Word Puzzles and Activities
• WordPlays.com: Word Games

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Quick Fix Solution by Using English Fillers

In reality, even native English speakers use filler words, and they use them often.

Quick Fix Solution by Using English Fillers 

When you think of someone as being a fluent English speaker, you probably think they speak perfectly without stopping. In reality, even native English speakers use filler words, and they use them often. These words are an important part of sounding natural when you speak English.

“English is like, totally fun to learn, you know?”

You’ve probably heard lots of filler words being used in conversations or in movies and TV shows. These might not seem useful, but they are actually a pretty important part of the English language, especially in American English. 

Filler words can be an English learner’s best friends, if you use them correctly and not too often. That’s why here is a list of English filler words which will make you sound like a native speaker. 

Filler words are words (and phrases) that are used to fill silence when you’re speaking. They’re words that don’t add any real value to the sentence. 

They simply keep you going while you come up with the rest of your sentence. Their actual name is “discourse markers,” but they’re much more commonly known as “filler words.” 

You might already use filler words without realizing it. When you can’t think of the right word to use in a sentence, you might say “umm.” This gives you a break while you think, without an awkward, silent pause. 

Since filler words don’t really add any meaning to the sentence, you don’t need to think about using them. This leaves your brain free to think of other things—like the word you’re trying to remember.

You only need to use filler words when you’re speaking with someone. Generally you won’t use fillers when you’re writing. 

When you’re speaking with someone, though, you might need some extra time to figure out what to say. That’s when you can use filler words. 

Sometimes people use certain filler words (“like,” “literally” or “believe me”) when they’re writing online in website comments, chats or social media. This is fine too, since conversations online are very similar to spoken conversations. 

Filler words are used for a number of reasons: 

To show that you’re thinking. Use filler words when you need to think about your answer or statement. For example: “I have basically… ten more years of college.” 

To make a statement less harsh. When your friend has some broccoli stuck between his teeth, you could just tell him, “You have something in your teeth,” but that might make him embarrassed. It might be nicer to say something more like: “Well, you have, um, you have a little something in your teeth.” 

To make your statement weaker or stronger. While filler words don’t add anything to sentences, they can be used to change the sentence tone—the attitude of the sentence. See how different these three statements sound: “I think pugs are cute” is just a regular statement. “Actually, I think pugs are cute” shows contrast—that someone else doesn’t agree. “At the end of the day, I think pugs are cute” is something you might say as a conclusion to a discussion about pugs and their ugly (or cute!) wrinkles. 

To stall for time. To stall for time means to do something to try and gain more time. Filler words are an excellent way to stall when you don’t know how to answer a question, or when you don’t want to. For example, if your teacher asks you “Where’s your homework?,” your response might sound a bit like this: “Uhh. Umm. Well, you see.. My dog ate it.” 

To include the listener in the conversation without ending your sentence. A conversation takes at least two people. Some filler words and phrases can include the other person in the conversation. It’s a bit like reaching out to them as you’re speaking to keep their attention. For example: “It was a really big bear, you know?” This sentence includes the listener without ending your speaking turn. Your listener might nod in agreement, allowing you to continue telling him about the bear. 

As you can see, filler words seem useless at first, but they can be really important! When you think of someone as being a fluent English speaker, you probably think they speak perfectly without stopping. In reality, even native English speakers use filler words, and they use them often. These words are an important part of sounding natural when you speak English.

You’re allowed to pause and think, to be unsure of how to answer, or even to forget the right word to use. The trick is knowing the right filler words to use while you put your thoughts together. Every language has its own set of filler words. Learning English filler words will help you sound more like a native speaker.

Use Filler Words in Moderation. Like with anything else, you could use filler words too much. Overusing filler words (using too many, too often) can make you sound unprofessional. Even worse, it can make it difficult to follow your sentences. So do use filler words when you speak, but don’t use them too much.

Here is a list of some ‘fillers’ we use frequently in English:

• well 
• you see
• you know
• after all 
• I mean 
• you know what I mean
• at the end of the day
• Believe me
• I guess/ I suppose
• or something
• right?!
• like
• sort of 
• kind of 
• say 
• the thing is 
• in other words 
• by the way 
• ok here 
• first of all 
• above all 
• maybe 
• as far, as to 
• anyway 
• in short 
• so 
• in a word 
• in brief
• actually/ basically/ seriously
• totally/ literally/ clearly
  
  

  

  You only need to use filler words when you’re speaking with someone. Generally you won’t use fillers when you’re writing.

  
  

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*If you like this blog post and wish to share your experiences/ remarks/ views with me, you are most welcome to write to me at pdpbygauravmisra@gmail.com. Thanks!

Dreams Do Come True!

In my whole family, I became the first one to earn an opportunity to work and study in the US. 

 Dreams Do Come True! 

Today, when I look back, I realize that one is capable enough to realize one's dreams in spite of challenges of any kind. 

Since my childhood, I always had a dream to study in the United States; but coming from a humble background, it was next to impossible for me to realize my dream. 

After I started my career as a Training & Development professional, I came across an exciting opportunity: The Fulbright Program. 

I prepared really hard for almost a year or so, and applied for this most prestigious fellowship. 

I competed against some of the best brains across the nation, and finally my hard work, dedication and perseverance paid off. 

I had an amazing time at Syracuse University, New York.

I got selected by USIEF (United States-India Educational Foundation) to represent India as a language instructor and cultural ambassador to the United States. 

In my whole family, I became the first one to earn an opportunity to work and study in the US. 

In 2015, I landed in the US and had an exceptional experience, studying and getting trained at the Syracuse University, New York. 

Today, when I look back, I realize that one is capable enough to realize one's dreams in spite of challenges of any kind because, 

"Dreams Do Come True!" 

#dreams #dedication #diligence

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*For LIVE Online personalized training or life skills coaching, please feel free to connect at pgpdbygm@gmail.com

Practice, Passion & Patience

Few people know I had the honour of being the first Indian to teach Hindi as a Foreign Language to Americans.

Practice, Passion & Patience 

Outside world perceived my English skills as a sheer weakness, I tried my best to turn it into my core strength with Practice, Passion & Patience.

Few people know I had the honour of being the first Indian to teach Hindi as a Foreign Language to Americans at the University of Montana, United States. 

During my college years in my hometown, I was frequently ridiculed, criticized, and sometimes ignored too, as coming from a Hindi medium background. 

Starting from a young man who never spoke in English before, to become first Indian to teach Hindi at an American University, it took me years of self-training. 

To become the first Indian to teach Hindi at an American University, it took me years of self-training. 

Outside world perceived my English skills as a sheer weakness, I tried my best to turn it into my core strength with Practice, Passion & Patience.

During my work & studies in America, I also became first Indian scholar awarded with UM Annual Distinguished Service Award; represented India at the United Nations, New York as well as in Washington D.C. 

First Indian scholar to receive UM Annual Distinguished Service Award

Remember,

• It doesn't matter what others think, it matters what you think.
  
• Your weaknesses can be your greatest assets.
  
• Focus on your path, not the obstacles and fight through your failures. 

Read more about my American adventure here, 
Sharing Indian Culture and the Hindi Language in Montana: My Fulbright Foreign Language Teaching Assistant Experience

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Online Education - The New Normal

It was very much visible, the kind of exceptional career support, upGrad is offering,
through personalized career advice, one-on-one sessions, and employment opportunities.

Online Education - The New Normal

It's quite interesting to notice that there are ample amount of strong indicators that suggest it's truly the way education industry is going to shape up pretty soon; in fact, the whole process has already begun. 

Yes, you heard it right! Online education is the New Normal. By the way, let me also assert (whether you like it or not) that it's the future of education as well. 

I remember, during my college days, I completed a couple of online certifications and felt a little ahead of my peers as it was not a regular norm those days. Also, it gave me a sense of having a couple of extra stars on my resume.  

Recently, I conducted 'Train the Trainer' Employability Coaching workshop for the Career Coaches as well as Student Mentors at upGrad, Mumbai.

It was indeed an amazing experience training, guiding and teaching a super-enthusiastic bunch of participants for India's one of the top educational e-Learning platforms.

It was very much visible, the kind of exceptional career support, upGrad is offering, through personalized career advice, one-on-one sessions, and employment opportunities.

As the rapid spread of the Coronavirus continues; schools, colleges and universities across the country have been forced to close their doors. Most professors and students suddenly found themselves pushed to use technology as they teach and learn. 

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the closure has led many school systems to find innovative ways to reach and teach their students and one of the primary ways that's being done is through virtual, or say online, education.

Having done my own share of small research from various surveys and studies, I found some amazing facts to support my notion.

It's quite interesting to notice that there are ample amount of strong indicators that suggest it's truly the way education industry is going to shape up pretty soon.

Let's look at these facts one by one,

• A survey by the BBC in 2003 revealed that micro online learning modules can improve understanding, retention, and application levels by at least 30%.
  
• The total number of students participating in at least one online course has surpassed 6.7 million in the US, and the numbers are steadily increasing.
  
• 77% of academic leaders rate the learning outcomes in online education as the same or superior to those in face-to-face education.
  
• A Brandon-Hall Study reveals that learning online typically requires 40% to 60% less time than learning the same subject in a traditional classroom setting.
  
• E-learning helps participants learn nearly 5 times more material.
  
• Students in online learning conditions perform modestly better than those receiving face-to-face instruction.
  
• E-learning uses no paper, requires no traveling, and uses fewer resources, all of which saves a lot of energy.
  
• Online students are more responsible, disciplined, self - motivated and achieve more, plus they also develop better skills in time management.

As far as my experience with online education as an instructor goes, I must say that even way before Covid 19 outbreak, I've been delivering online training sessions to my learners (in US and Mauritius) and enjoyed the experience thoroughly. 

Also, online education gives an exceptional opportunity to trainers to reach out to wonderful learners across the world. 

Yogita, a working professional from Mauritius left no stone unturned to realize her true potential. She joined one of my online courses as a humble beginner and attended all the online training sessions with a curious mind and a positive attitude. 

Yogita (from Mauritius) joined one of my online courses as a humble beginner and
attended all the online training sessions with a curious mind and a positive attitude.

Glad to see her today as a super-confident individual and a successful professional.

If a learner is committed to learn and grow further; learning has no limits, no boundaries; and online education comes with many benefits both to the learners and instructors. Welcome to the future!

"Online learning is not the next big thing, it is the now big thing.” 

- Donna J. Abernathy

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Making Graduates Job-Ready

Shweta started her career-journey like any other management student with high aspirations and positive attitude. 

Making Graduates Job-Ready

According to different estimates, India produces around 15 lakh engineers every year and 3 lakh management graduates. However, a more important question here is whether all of them are employable?

Meet Sweta Singh! 

She started her career-journey like any other management student with high aspirations and positive attitude. 

I remember, during her MBA days at Doon Business School, she worked rigorously for her personal growth & professional development. 

As a result, she not only became ultra-confident, and also transformed herself with a great sense of professionalism. 

Today, her message reminds me of her training days, and the significance of training and development for any aspiring individual.

According to different estimates, India produces around 15 lakh engineers every year and 3 lakh management graduates. However, a more important question here is whether all of them are employable? The answer unfortunately is in the negative! 

The recently concluded Aspiring Minds study found out that there is a massive skill gap when it comes to job specific requirements along with employability for most engineering students in India. 

This is why apart from domain-based education, educational institutions must also modify their curriculum patterns to serve the objectives of giving practical knowledge, skills training and most importantly, personality development. 

Colleges must focus on inculcating traits like positive attitude, right body language, 

power dressing, importance of communication skills - both written and verbal. 

Colleges must focus on inculcating traits like positive attitude, right body language, power dressing, importance of communication skills - both written and verbal. 

It is very important to ensure that students undergo several internship programs during the course of their education. Internship programs give them the much-needed opportunity to apply their knowledge practically.

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Follow Your Passion!

Today, Ajitabh has not only explored countless cities across India, and also being paid by YouTube for the fun he has as a youtuber. 

Follow Your Passion!

Following your passion takes courage and you never know what will happen. You can certainly make your passion your paycheck. So, how are you following your passion and making the most of your spare time?

Meet Ajitabh Anand!

An Engineer in making, and a Travelvlogger by passion. 

Glad that he got inspired by one of my sessions at DIT University on 'Following One's Passion' (as he texted me recently); and started pursuing his passion, making the most constructive use of his spare time. 

Glad that he got inspired by one of my sessions at DIT University on 'Following One's Passion' (as he texted me recently).

Today, he has not only explored countless cities across India, and also being paid by YouTube for the fun he has as a youtuber. 

I always encourage my student-trainees to follow their passion as, 

• It gives us a sense of purpose. 
• It adds more value to our perspective.
  
• It naturally makes us more persistent.
  
• It helps us in character-building.
  
• It helps us relate more to the community and come up with more creative ideas.
  
• It makes us willing to go above and beyond the call of duty.
  
• It assists us getting more fulfilled. 

Follow Ajitabh to witness his fun-filled journey as a Travel Vlogger. His journey truly proves the following words, 

"Purpose is the reason of your journey. Passion is the fire that lights the way. If you can’t figure out your purpose, figure out your passion. For your passion will lead you right into your purpose."

So, how are you following your passion and making the most of your spare time?

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