Talking like Picard isn’t just about words — it’s about presence. Here’s how to channel the Captain for an entire day.
Mark the Date
September 28 – the anniversary of Star Trek: The Next Generation’s premiere.
Master the Vocabulary
- “Make it so.”
- “Engage.”
- “Tea. Earl Grey. Hot.”
- “There are four lights!”
- “The line must be drawn here! This far, no further!”
Perfect the Delivery
- Speak clearly and with authority.
- Use deliberate pauses for emphasis.
- Maintain good posture.
- Use clear, precise speech. Add emphasis to key words. Pause dramatically.
- You are allowed to tug the hem of your shirt to straighten it when rising from a seat.
Deploy the Picard Facepalm only when absolutely necessary.
Everyday Examples
- Ordering lunch: “I’ll have the chicken sandwich. Make it so.”
- At work: “Number One, prepare the quarterly report.”
- Talking to kids: “The Prime Directive is… bedtime.”
- Try trivia, phrase flashcards, and writing your own “Captain’s Log.”
- Watch a favorite Star Trek episode. Extra credit if Picard is mentioned. Bonus points if Picard is a regular main character. Maximum latinum if Picard is the central character of the story.
Record the Day
Download and print your Captain’s Log sheet to document every successful Picard moment.
Post on social media with #TalkLikePicard.
Share with the Fleet
Post videos, audio clips, or quotes on social media and tag #TalkLikePicard.
The Best Tradition of Starfleet
Talk Like Picard Day is meant to represent the best tradition of conduct becoming a Starfleet officer. It is human nature that our best conduct is not our only conduct. In the event that your day becomes difficult, or you need to stop someone from speaking, it is not in the best tradition to tell them to "shut up," even if they are named "Wesley."
Instead, consider one of the following choice phrases intended to shut down opposition:
- Resistance is futile.
- To say you have no choice is a failure of imagination.
- You are not God.
Just remember, discipline in our conduct is akin to the lack of discipline in maintaining our freedom. With the first link, the chain is forged. The first thought forbidden chains us irrevocably. The first yielding to anger or fear makes further resistance that much more difficult. Harsh words damage both the speaker and the listener, even when spoken in jest.