Talking too fast?

A surprising number of people say that they speak too quickly, and often don't know how to slow down. They say they can often speak slower when reading a simple sentence, such as "Bob ate an apple." In an e-book called How to Speak Slower in Six Simple Steps, readers learn that it is easier to speak slower when the topic is not interesting to them. For example, people who don't care about horses or parakeets could talk about how to ride a horse, or care for a parakeet. Then start talking about things that are slightly more interesting, at a slow rate. (The e-book can be found at www.BusinessSpeechImprovement.com/ebooks.htm.)

Some people only speak quickly when they are nervous, such as when giving a speech. They should remember that when giving a speech, what counts is not the amount of information that flows out of the speaker's mouth. What counts is how much information sticks in the listener's mind. Speaking too fast, particularly on complicated material or to audiences of children or seniors, is a big mistake. Speaking slowly gets the point across more efficiently.

If a fast rate of speech is new, people should see a physician. Sometimes a fast rate is the first sign of some neurological issues, such as Parkinson's. Life-long fast speech when both calm and nervous can also be a sign of a communicative disorder, called cluttering. This and other speech disorders are diagnosed and treated by speech-language pathologists.

In most cases, though, fast speech can be slowed down. The e-book is a great way to start.

American Pronunciation Struggles

Over the years, many foreign-born professionals in the US have told me how they struggle with our pronunciation patterns. They tell me of the importance of excellent speech on their careers, and how they wished they knew what they were doing wrong with their pronunciation. The Pronunciation Improvement for Non-native Professionals class, in a mere three days, has helped many to make a significant change in their speech. The classes have a maximum of six learners each. All learners have their speech individually assessed, and get a customized program to follow.

As their instructor, I enjoy hearing the difference in their speech patterns before and after the class, and the new confidence they express in their pronunciation. They know better speech will make a difference in their lives and careers.

Talking Too Fast

There has been considerable interest in the articles I have posted on my website, www.BusinessSpeechImprovement.com, on learning to talk slower. There are many reasons people speak fast. Some people talk quickly due to diseases such as Parkinsonism or bi-polar disorder, or to taking certain medications. A specific type of speech therapy has been shown to be effective in many people with Parkinsonism, although it does not help everyone. If the problem is due to medications, check with your physician or other healthcare provider about whether a dose or the medication itself can be changed.

Other people have a speech problem called cluttering. They are often unaware of the fact that they speak fast. Some people speak rapidly due to cultural influences, or because they think others will not listen to them if they speak slower. Some feel a fast rate impresses listeners.

Listeners, however, often get frustrated by not being able to understand a speaker. They may ask for a repetition of the information, or just not bother.

Rapid rates of speech can often be controlled, using a variety of training techniques. It is a wonderful experience to hear a person's rate of speech decrease so he can be clearly understood! For the speaker, it can be a real confidence booster to know what he needs to do to increase his clarity.

If you have a speech rate problem, how does it make you feel? What helps you control it?