ACT/SAT Vocabulary Builder: Speaking Words

The teacher asked Brenda to cut her _____ speech from 40 to 15 minutes.

using only the words that are needed to make the point; very concise

very talkative; living to talk; garrulous

Two examples of _____ greetings are "Howzit, brah?" and "What's up, man?"

to wander off from the subject or topic spoken about

silent; sparing of words; close-mouthed

pertaining to common everyday speech; conversational

For the sake of ____, choose your words with care.

clearly and briefly stated

artful ease with speaking; speaking that can influence people's feelings 

using big and fancy words when speaking for the purpose of impressing others 

We don't have time to ____ from the main issue right now.

Ms. Johnson asked us to write a ____ summary of the article.

The principal's _____ reply was clear: "No dogs at school."

using few words in speaking or writing

Next to me on the bus sat the _____ girl who said nothing during the four-hour ride.

Among American presidents, Obama wins the prize for ______.

Usually _____, Ms. Worthy surprised us all with a long story at lunch.

briefness or conciseness in speech or writing

For a ____ summary of the book, read the book jacket. 

Mickey used _____ language to conceal his ignorance of the subject.

not talking too much; reserved

using too many words; wordy; long-winded

The _____ audience grew quiet when the movie started.