Humans are social creatures, so it's no exaggeration to say that communication is the key to success in almost all aspects of life. While verbal fluency is just one aspect of communication, it's essential. Even brilliant people may need help translating their thoughts into words that can be shared with others to provide a clear impression of what's on their minds. This article will discuss some easy ways to boost verbal fluency and communication skills that can be applied at work, in family interactions, or anywhere where people need to talk to each other.

Verbal Fluency Is Not a Measure of Intelligence

There's one thing that everyone needs to get clear before moving on, and it's that verbal fluency is not a measure of intelligence. If anything, it's a measure of a person's stress level and how the rest of their day is going, as can be shown by the fact that the same people perform very differently on basic tests of verbal fluency administered just days or even hours apart. Now, let's move on to improving communication and verbal fluency no matter what else happens in someone's life.

Nootropics and Communication

Given that stress is one of the top factors influencing the effectiveness of people's communication skills, it should come as no surprise that supplements to improve verbal fluency focus on helping people reduce stress and think clearly. The top supplements taken for this purpose include:
  • GABA is an inhibitory neurotransmitter that promotes relaxation and, subsequently, concentration and focus
  • Aniracetam, a fat-soluble AMPA-modulating nootropic that may enhance memory and learn by improving the function of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine
  • Tyrosine, an essential amino acid that acts as a building block for dopamine and other essential neurotransmitters that can get depleted when people are under chronic stress
  • Rhodiola Rosea is an adaptogenic herb that may support energy and balanced stress responses.
  • Curcumin, a flavonoid found in turmeric, is known to have neuroprotectant properties and increases BDNF to support neurogenesis.
  • The supplements taken to support brain health and reduce stress won't automatically increase verbal fluency or communication skills. However, they can give people access to tools they already have to keep their minds on track.

Practicing Verbal Fluency

All the nootropics in the world will only help people improve their communication skills if they get practice at it. That's where verbal fluency tests come in. These tests require naming different objects within categories as quickly as possible, and practicing them can help people access information more quickly when time is of the essence.

More than just practicing structured verbal fluency, tests will be required to give people the confidence required to speak out at meetings or put together thoughts quickly when someone asks for an opinion. However, getting in front of a camera can help people feel more comfortable speaking to others without placing them in a position where they need to perform uncomfortable tasks. Try recording an ad-hoc presentation or even a pre-written speech, then study it to figure out what could be improved and try again.

Communication Gets Easier Over Time

Once people feel comfortable practicing in front of a camera, they can enlist the help of family or friends to practice verbal fluency in more realistic settings. Over time, things like giving public presentations or being put on the spot by coworkers will feel less stressful. As people's stress surrounding communication lowers, their verbal fluency typically rises in kind.