14: Real Talking Tips - Verbs Have Action... Right?

Verbs have Action. That means, when you say a verb you need to have some sort of body movement that corresponds to the action. That movement will be heard in the voice… whether big or small, depending on the type of verb.

Okay VERB geeks. I know what you’re thinking. There are Action Verbs and Static Non-Action Verbs. Why should they all have action?

Action Verbs are expressed through bigger gestures and movements. Examples: Walk, Reach, Jump.

Non-Action Verbs are subtler; a head nod or shake, shoulder shrug, eye movement, or an internal response. Examples: Agree, Remember, Understand.

Verbs are easy to comprehend. Verbs tie the nouns together with a big or subtle action.  One way to sound authoritative is to give action to the verbs. By giving verbs movement, you sound like you know what you’re talking about.

So if you want to speak with authority, give the verbs action!