It’s all on the script already, so why should actors improve their vocabulary? The truth is, we don’t just use words to say things. We use them for expression and to build atmosphere, and that’s exactly what you set out to do as an actor.
The true power of words can never be fully explored without a clear understanding of what they are meant to do. Knowing how to increase your vocabulary and going out of your way to do so not only helps you to express yourself better in day-to-day life. It also helps you interpret lines, characters, and roles with greater depth. So, without further ado, here are our tips.
Read Both Fiction and Non-Fiction
Reading exposes us to words most people don’t use in everyday speech. You can get away with a 5 – 10 thousand-word verbal vocabulary, but it fails to embrace the full diversity of human expression.
Fiction will expose you to a greater range of expressive words, immersing you in experiences you would otherwise not have encountered, while non-fiction provides a grounding in business, scientific, and arts-related words.
Of course, reading a word and learning its meaning may still lead to mispronunciation. You can overcome this by developing an understanding of the phonetic transcription dictionaries use to indicate pronunciation or by using digital dictionaries to help you hear and practice saying new words.
Read the Dictionary and Get a Basic Grounding in Subject-Matter Terminology
Although you might get bored reading big chunks of a dictionary at once, scanning the words in search of ones you don’t recognise can be an interesting exercise. If you’re preparing for a specific role, you can also search for subject-matter-related terminology lists.
Even if the terms aren’t used in the script, you’ll increase your spoken vocabulary and get fresh insights into how your character and people like them would think and express themselves. Improving our vocabulary not only helps actors learn new words but also enhances our ability to adapt to the roles we play.
Play Around With a Thesaurus
Acting is all about expression, but some words are very limiting and overused. Bored with tired-out words like “pretty?” Hit the thesaurus to find dozens of related words with different nuances for almost every context. Apart from learning new words, you can practice the variations in expression that you might use when choosing a more descriptive and unusual word.
Investigate Idioms and Period Slang
Idioms enrich our language, and they change over time. Although some idioms come and go, others are evergreen. It’s interesting just how many Shakespearean idioms are still in use today. So, apart from learning words and finding them in various contexts, do take a look at idioms.
Period slang is also an amusing area to explore, and although you might not use words like “pourparler” with any frequency, you’ll know what to do with them if you ever encounter them – in a Victorian period drama, for example.
Play Word Games
Playing word games helps to keep your brain agile and improves focus. It may also be a way to improve your vocabulary skills – especially if you opt for relatively advanced word games that go out of their way to trip up the average person. Arguments over the Scrabble board? It’s all part of the fun, and your ever-growing vocabulary will turn you into a force to be reckoned with.
Keep a Vocabulary Diary
Knowing how to increase your speaking vocabulary and making progress are two different things. Set an easy goal. For example, you might commit to learning two new words every day. Track your progress by recording your newly acquired words in your diary and reviewing them at intervals to reinforce your learning.
Write and Review
Keep an ordinary diary in which you discuss events, thoughts, and feelings. Read what you’ve written critically and look for new, more creative ways to say the same things. Yes, we’re back to the Thesaurus, or you can try asking LLMs to rephrase a sentence in different ways.
Try using words you’ve learned elsewhere in your writing, too. Whether you’d like to try your hand at poetry, writing short stories, or just reporting on events, using new words is almost as important as learning them in the first place.
Express Yourself With RSVP
Actors deal in words, expression, and the adoption of personas. That’s part of the reason why RSVP, a call centre with a difference, believes that actors are the ideal customer service agents. You’ll gain insights into the fields our clients work in and master the “lingo” along the way.
You’ll switch roles too. For example, you might be a wine connoisseur one day, and an earnest techie the next. Apart from learning new things, adding to your life experience, you’ll also benefit from flexible work that allows you to prioritise your acting career. Sounds ideal? Find out more about working with us today. Simply visit our careers page, and take it from there.