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, histori...