The presenter at the conference whom everyone talks about the next day, whose sessions are always “standing room only” and whose speech is quoted and referenced for weeks afterwards.

The guest at the party who’s constantly surrounded by people eager to hear her entertaining stories and witty conversation.

Do you see yourself in these descriptions? Or do you see the person you’d like to be? You probably noticed that the one thing common to all of these situations is that each person described obviously has a way with words. They have an excellent vocabulary, and the ability to use their words in the right way, at the right time. They’re masters of the bon mot and the epigram. In order to emulate them, you need to be as well.

The first thing you need to do is concentrate on expanding your vocabulary by studying and learning new words. Vocabulary words are quite literally the building blocks you need to create your literary constructions. Plan on spending at least 15 minutes a day learning one or more new words. For today’s word, focus on the word epigram. This noun is defined as “a concise and witty phrase” and frequently refers to a remark that someone makes to conclude a speech or conversation that sums everything up in one brief sentence, in an intelligent and humorous way. An aphorism is similar in that it is also a brief, witty, and insightful phrase, but an aphorism generally expresses a statement of belief or universal truth. Here are some examples of epigrams and aphorisms:

You can’t teach an old dogma new tricks.
– Dorothy Parker (1893-1967)

Ars longa, vita brevis. (“Life is short, but art endures.”)
– Hippocrates, 4th century CE

I can resist everything except temptation.
– Oscar Wilde (1854-1900)

He that lives upon hope will die fasting.
– Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790)

Swans sing before they die – ‘twere no bad thing
Should certain people die before they sing!
– Samuel Taylor Coleridge (1772-1834)

Don’t let your lack of vocabulary keep you silent!