How Speech Embellishment Makes You Sound More Fluent—And How to Practice It

When we talk about fluency, we often mean speed, accuracy, or ease of expression. But there’s another layer—one that makes speech not just correct, but compelling. That’s where speech embellishment comes in.

Boris Shekhtman coined the term to describe the strategic use of rhetorical flourishes, idiomatic turns, and expressive scaffolding that make a speaker sound more erudite, more fluent, and more native-like—even when their grammar isn’t perfect.

It’s not about faking fluency. It’s about shaping speech to feel alive.

What Is Speech Embellishment?

Speech embellishment is the art of dressing your ideas in language that feels rich, textured, and culturally resonant. It includes:

• Discourse markers: “You know,” “Actually,” “That said,” “Let me put it this way…”
• Idiomatic expressions: “It’s a double-edged sword,” “We’re not out of the woods yet.”
• Framing devices: “There are three things to consider,” “Let me start with a story.”
• Cultural references: Proverbs, metaphors, historical allusions.
• Rhythmic variation: Pauses, repetition, contrast.

These elements don’t just fill space—they signal confidence, coherence, and cultural depth.

Why It Makes You Sound More Fluent

1. It buys processing time

Embellishment gives your brain a moment to catch up. While you say “Let me think about that for a second,” you’re already thinking.

2. It creates the illusion of mastery

When your speech has structure and flair, listeners focus less on minor errors. You sound like someone who owns the conversation.

3. It builds listener trust

Native speakers use embellishment constantly. When you do too, you sound familiar. Relatable. Trustworthy.

4. It elevates your register

Embellishment lets you shift from transactional speech (“I want coffee”) to intellectual discourse (“What I find fascinating about this trend…”). That’s ILR 4 territory.

How to Practice Speech Embellishment

1. Collect phrases

Start a notebook or digital file. Every time you hear a native speaker use a phrase that adds color or structure, write it down. Categorize by function: opening, transition, emphasis, conclusion.

2. Shadow with intention

Don’t just mimic pronunciation—mimic rhetorical rhythm. Pause where they pause. Emphasize what they emphasize. Notice how they build suspense or soften disagreement.

3. Use templates

Practice speaking with scaffolds like:

• “There’s a lot to unpack here, but let me start with…”
• “If I had to summarize it in one sentence…”
• “This reminds me of something I read recently…”

4. Record and reflect

Record yourself using embellishment. Listen for flow, tone, and authenticity. Does it sound natural? Does it match the context?

5. Practice in chunks

Don’t wait for full conversations. Practice embellishment in short bursts—introducing a topic, responding to a question, making a point. Build fluency one flourish at a time.

The Deeper Payoff

Speech embellishment isn’t just decoration. It’s a way of thinking. A way of organizing ideas, connecting with listeners, and stepping into a more expansive version of yourself.

It’s the difference between speaking a language and inhabiting it.

And for those aiming at ILR 4—near-native proficiency—it’s not optional. It’s essential.

post inspired by How to Improve Your Foreign Language Immediately by Boris Shekhtman

the successful practices of diplomats and international journalists
now available to any language learner

Book description:

This is the fifth edition of a popular book that provides a unique set of tools designed to enhance an individual's success in communication in a foreign language environment. The devices presented allow the speaker of a foreign language to demonstrate the level of his/her language more impressively, so impressively, in fact, that it appears that the speaker's language itself has improved overnight. These techniques were developed and tested by the author with adult professionals in such varied fields as journalism, diplomacy, government, and international business. Many of these professionals have attested to the efficacy of these tools in their own columns.

"This book provides the most bang for the buck of any language training book on the market."
Luca Lampariello, Smart Language Learning Academy

Keywords

foreign language communication; second language speaking skills; language fluency tools; communication strategies; professional language improvement; business communication in a foreign language; diplomacy and language skills; international communication; advanced speaking techniques' language proficiency strategies; effective communication abroad; cross-cultural communication; foreign language mastery; professional fluency in another language; overnight language improvement; tools for language learners; adult language learning; improving spoken fluency; confidence in foreign language speaking; language enhancement techniques

Read more posts about Boris and his books HERE.

Read additional information about this book HERE.

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