MSI Press Blog

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, histori...

  Today's Publisher's Pride is  How to Improve Your Foreign Language Immediately  by Boris Shekhtman, which reached  #6 in study and teaching references . 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 communicati0n 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 ban...

  Today's Publisher's Pride is  How to Improve Your Foreign Language Immediately  by Boris Shekhtman, which reached  #67 in study and teaching reference and #115 in academic and commercial writing references . 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 communicati0n 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 i...