How to Slow Down Speech
Have you ever been told that you talk too fast or been asked to slow down your fast speech? In today’s fast-paced, busy, and often chaotic society, it is more and more common for individuals of all ages to have this communication problem. While speaking quickly is not a specific speech disorder and is not necessarily a problem in and of itself, some individuals speak so quickly that the clarity, diction, and coherency of their speech are affected, often inhibiting effective communication.
While many people can slow down their pace of speech by simply paying attention to their rate while speaking or practicing, others might require the help and support of a speech and language pathologist. Speech therapy can help with a wide variety of communication disorders and challenges, including addressing and regulating an individual’s rate of speech.
If you’ve ever wondered how to slow down your talking or whether speech therapy might be helpful for you, you can learn more by scheduling your free introductory call today!
Why Do Some People Speak Too Fast?
There are many reasons why an individual might speak quickly, but there are four reasons that are the most common cause of fast speech including: A Racing Brain - Some individuals speak quickly because their brains are going a mile a minute and they are attempting to keep up with their own racing thoughts. This is found to be especially true amongst extroverts, as they have a tendency to think as they are speaking rather than thinking before they speak. Anxiety & Nerves - Nervousness and anxiety are also common causes for some individuals to speak quickly. They often subconsciously increase their rate of speech to get their communication over with, usually at the expense of diction and clarity. This results in mumbling or jumbled speech that is difficult for others to understand. Social Conditioning - Some individuals naturally speak fast because they were socially conditioned to at a young age. For instance, a child in a family with rowdy and vocal siblings may experience pressure to speak quickly and immediately to receive any attention or get a word in. English as a Second Language - For some individuals for whom English is a second or third language, their rate of speech may seem very fast for English but is normal in their native language. Many languages have an inherently faster rate of speech than English, and it can be difficult for some to adapt their speech to the slower pace that is considered normal in other languages.How Does Speaking Fast Affect Speech?
Regardless of the underlying reason or cause of fast speech, many individuals who speak quickly may also struggle to communicate effectively. Talking quickly without taking adequate time to pause or slow down when necessary can have the following negative effects on speech:- Decreased Strength and Power in the Voice
- Higher Vocal Pitch
- Decreased Clarity and Articulation
- Increased Instances of Filler Words (um, ah, uh, etc.)
- Decreased Comprehension by the Listener
- Limited Impact on the Listener
- Loss of Important Points or Emphasis
- Reduced Poise or Seriousness by the Speaker
- Lower Credibility of the Speaker