Speaking like Shashi Tharoor involves more than just using big words—though that’s certainly part of the appeal. It’s a mix of eloquence, erudition, rhythm, and rhetorical flair. Here’s a breakdown of how to emulate his speaking style:
🧠 1. Master Vocabulary, But With Purpose
Tharoor is known for his use of rare and precise words. He doesn’t use big words to confuse, but to express nuanced meanings.
-
Study advanced vocabulary, especially from Latin/Greek origins.
-
Examples: floccinaucinihilipilification, rodomontade, puerile, defenestrate, meretricious.
-
-
Use a thesaurus, but know the connotations of each synonym.
-
Practice replacing simple sentences with more expressive ones.
-
Plain: “That’s not important.”
Tharoor-style: “Such matters are of trivial consequence and merit no further rumination.”
-
🎭 2. Adopt a Polished and Rhythmic Speaking Style
-
Use a measured pace and articulate each syllable.
-
Employ alliteration, parallelism, and rhetorical questions.
-
“Are we to capitulate to chaos, or conquer it through clarity and courage?”
-
-
Vary tone for emphasis and engagement.
-
Read aloud from speeches or books to train intonation and rhythm.
🧾 3. Use Cultural and Historical References
Tharoor often draws on history, literature, and political theory.
-
Study global and Indian history, international relations, and philosophy.
-
Make analogies or comparisons from literature or historical events.
-
“Like Caesar crossing the Rubicon, this decision was a point of no return.”
-
🧩 4. Structure Your Thoughts Like an Essay
Every point he makes is organized like a mini-essay.
-
Introduction (setup)
-
Development (examples and elaboration)
-
Conclusion (emphatic or poetic closure)
📚 5. Read and Watch Tharoor Himself
Absorb his style directly:
-
Watch his Oxford Union speech or India Today Conclaves.
-
Read his books: “Inglorious Empire,” “Why I Am a Hindu,” or “The Paradoxical Prime Minister.”
Comments