Hark! Learn to Speak Like Shakespeare: A Step-by-Step Guide

Ever dreamt of conversing with the wit and eloquence of the Bard himself? Of weaving words that flow like the River Avon and resonate with timeless grace? While summoning the ghost of Shakespeare for a conversational tutorial might prove challenging, fear not! This comprehensive guide will equip you with the tools and techniques to speak with a touch of Shakespearean flair, even if you’re more accustomed to emojis than iambic pentameter.

Speaking like Shakespeare isn’t about adopting a stuffy or antiquated persona; it’s about embracing the richness and expressiveness of the English language. It’s about adding depth, imagery, and a touch of poetic drama to your everyday communication. Let’s embark on this linguistic adventure!

Step 1: Master the Basic Vocabulary

Shakespeare’s language is often perceived as difficult, but many of his words are simply older forms of words we still use today. The key is to familiarize yourself with common Shakespearean vocabulary, which often features words that have fallen out of regular use but are easily understood in context.

• Thou, Thee, Thy, Thine: These are the informal singular forms of “you,” “your,” and “yours.” “Thou” is the subject (e.g., “Thou art wise”), “thee” is the object (e.g., “I see thee”), “thy” is the possessive (e.g., “Thy hand”), and “thine” is the possessive when followed by a vowel or silent ‘h’ (e.g., “Thine eyes,” “Thine hour”).
• Ye: This is the plural form of “you,” both subject and object.
• Hark: Means “listen.” “Hark! What light through yonder window breaks?”
• Ere: Means “before.” “Ere the sun doth rise…”
• ‘Tis: A contraction of “it is.” “’Tis a far, far better thing…”
• ‘Twas: A contraction of “it was.” “’Twas the night before Christmas…”
• Hath: Means “has.” “He hath a cunning plan.”
• Doth: Means “does.” “She doth sing sweetly.”
• Art: Means “are.” “Thou art my friend.”
• Anon: Means “soon” or “in a little while.” “I shall return anon.”
• Perchance: Means “perhaps.” “Perchance, I shall succeed.”
• Nay: Means “no.” “Nay, I cannot agree.”
• Prithee: A shortened version of “I pray thee,” meaning “please.” “Prithee, lend me thine ear.”
• Wherefore: Means “why.” “Wherefore art thou Romeo?”
• Verily: Means “truly” or “indeed.” “Verily, that is a magnificent feat!”
• Good morrow: Means “good morning.”
• Good even: Means “good evening.”

Tips for vocabulary expansion:

• Read Shakespeare: Immersing yourself in Shakespeare’s plays is the best way to absorb his vocabulary naturally. Start with easier plays like “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” or “Much Ado About Nothing.”
• Use a dictionary: Keep a Shakespearean dictionary or a good online resource handy to look up unfamiliar words.
• Create flashcards: Write down new words and their meanings, and review them regularly.
• Context is king: Pay attention to how Shakespeare uses these words within sentences and scenes. Understanding the context will help you internalize their meanings.

Step 2: Embrace the Grammar

Shakespeare’s grammar differs slightly from modern English. While not entirely alien, paying attention to these nuances can significantly enhance your Shakespearean speech:

• Word Order: Shakespeare often plays with word order for emphasis and poetic effect. He might place the object before the verb or the adjective after the noun. For example, “A man of might” rather than “A mighty man.” Experiment with this inversion.
• Dropping ‘to be’: Shakespeare occasionally omits the verb ‘to be,’ especially in familiar or quick utterances. Instead of “She is going,” you might say “She going.” This sounds natural when used correctly, but try not to overdo it.
• Double Negatives: Shakespeare often used double negatives for emphasis. While technically grammatically incorrect today, “I cannot not love thee” was a common usage. Use this judiciously, as overuse can sound forced.
• The Use of ‘Do’: Shakespeare uses “do” as an auxiliary verb more freely than we do today. For example: “I do love her” instead of just “I love her,” for added emphasis. This also adds a rhythmic quality.
• Subject-Verb Agreement with ‘Thou’: Remember to use the correct verb conjugation when using “thou”: “Thou art,” “Thou hast,” “Thou dost,”.
• ‘Hath’ vs ‘Has’ and ‘Doth’ vs ‘Does’: Use ‘hath’ with third-person singular subjects like ‘he’, ‘she’, or ‘it’. The same with ‘doth’. The modern forms ‘has’ and ‘does’ can be avoided when speaking Shakespearean.

Step 3: Master Iambic Pentameter (Optional, but Enhancing)

Iambic pentameter is the rhythmic heart of many of Shakespeare’s lines. While it’s not necessary for everyday conversation, a basic understanding of it can significantly elevate your Shakespearean speaking style. An iamb is a metrical foot consisting of an unstressed syllable followed by a stressed syllable (da-DUM). Iambic pentameter is five of these iambs in a row, ten syllables with every other syllable stressed.

Example:

“Shall I com-pare thee to a sum-mer’s day?”

Tips for Iambic Pentameter:

• Listen for the Rhythm: Pay attention to the way Shakespeare’s lines flow. You’ll begin to recognize the patterns.
• Practice Reading Aloud: Reciting Shakespearean text with a focus on the rhythm will help train your ear.
• Don’t be Too Rigid: Shakespeare often varied the rhythm for emphasis or effect. Feel free to do the same. You don’t have to use perfect iambic pentameter in conversation, but understanding the concept helps create a natural flow.

Step 4: Infuse Your Speech with Figurative Language

Shakespeare was a master of figurative language. Incorporating these elements into your speech will give it a more dramatic and poetic feel:

• Metaphors and Similes: Use comparisons to create vivid imagery. For example, instead of saying “I’m very tired,” you could say “I feel as weary as a traveler who hath journeyed long and far.” Or, “His temper was a volcano, ready to erupt.”
• Personification: Give human qualities to inanimate objects or ideas. For instance, “The wind doth whisper secrets through the trees.”
• Hyperbole: Use exaggeration for emphasis. “I could eat a mountain of food!”
• Alliteration: The repetition of consonant sounds at the beginning of words. “The sweet sound of summer’s song.”
• Imagery: Use descriptive language to paint a picture with words. Instead of “It’s cold,” try “The air bites with the sharpness of a winter’s wind.”

Step 5: Embrace the Bard’s Expressiveness

Shakespeare’s characters are known for their passion and intensity. Don’t be afraid to express yourself with feeling. Here are a few ways to do this:

• Exclamations: Use exclamations like “Hark!”, “Alas!”, “Well met!”, or “Fie upon it!”
• Intensifiers: Use words like “very,” “most,” “exceedingly,” and “utterly” to add emphasis.
• Rhetorical Questions: Asking questions that don’t require answers to make a point. “Is this a dagger I see before me?”
• Address the Listener Directly: Shakespearean characters often address each other or the audience directly to draw them into the conversation. Try something like “Pray, tell me, what thinkest thou of this matter?”
• Use Strong Verbs: Instead of “walked slowly” try “sauntered,” or “ambled.” Shakespeare’s language is rich with colorful verbs.

Step 6: Practice, Practice, Practice

The most important step is practice. Start by trying these techniques in small, everyday conversations. Don’t be afraid to sound silly or get things wrong. The more you practice, the more natural it will become. Here are a few scenarios to experiment with:

• Greeting a Friend: Instead of “Hello,” try “Good morrow, friend! How fares thee?”
• Asking a Question: Instead of “What are you doing?” try “Prithee, what dost thou undertake this day?”
• Expressing Agreement: Instead of “Yes, I agree,” try “Verily, I concur with thee wholeheartedly!”
• Expressing Disagreement: Instead of “No, I don’t think so,” try “Nay, I find myself in disagreement with thy assessment.”
• Complimenting Someone: Instead of “You look great,” try “Thy beauty doth shine like the morning sun!”

Example Conversations:

Modern: “Hi, how’s it going?”

Shakespearean: “Good morrow, friend! How doth thy day fare?”

Modern: “I’m really tired today.”

Shakespearean: “Alas, I am weary as a traveler who hath walked a long road.”

Modern: “What are you thinking about?”

Shakespearean: “Pray, tell, what thoughts do occupy thy mind at this moment?”

Modern: “That’s a good idea.”

Shakespearean: “Verily, that doth strike me as a most excellent suggestion!”

Modern: “Please pass the salt.”

Shakespearean: “Prithee, be so kind as to pass the salt to me.”

Advanced Tips

• Study Shakespearean insults and compliments: Shakespeare’s wit shines not only in poetic prose, but in clever barbs and praise. Use these for color, when appropriate.
• Listen to Shakespearean performances: Hearing professional actors perform Shakespeare can help you understand the nuances of intonation and rhythm.
• Watch film adaptations: Film versions of Shakespeare’s works can give you visual cues and inspire how you can bring the text to life in your speech.
• Join a Shakespearean reading group or drama club: The collaborative environment of a group can help you hone your skills and give you opportunities to practice.
• Don’t be afraid to make it your own: While you want to sound authentically Shakespearean, don’t be afraid to put your unique spin on it. Let your personality shine through!

Conclusion

Learning to speak like Shakespeare is a journey, not a destination. It requires time, patience, and a genuine love for language. Don’t be discouraged if you don’t sound like the Bard overnight. With consistent effort and a touch of theatrical flair, you’ll soon be speaking with a Shakespearean accent that will impress and delight all those who lend thee an ear. Now, go forth and weave words worthy of the Globe Theatre! And may your conversations be ever filled with wit, wisdom, and a touch of timeless magic.

So, go forth, dear reader, and try your hand (or tongue) at the Bard’s speech. You might just find that a little bit of Shakespeare adds a great deal to your life, and that thou, too, canst speak with a flourish!