Speaking too fast can be a problem for your listener. Often, it depends on the nervousness that leads you to stumble with words. If you have a hard time making yourself understood why you speak too fast, there are solutions. Try some vocal exercises to express yourself more slowly thanks to the introduction of a few rests and learn to articulate each word individually. You can also record your voice as you speak. That way, you'll be able to pinpoint the steps you should take slower or add breaks to your written text so you can breathe and stay in control.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Speak with Greater Clarity
Step 1. Say each word more clearly
One of the main problems of those who speak too fast is that most of the time it binds the pronunciation of words making them difficult to understand. So, practice articulating them, especially if you tend to combine them into one sentence.
Don't skip them, even if they're small. Articulate every syllable of every word
Step 2. Make a tongue twister
Tongue twisters are ideal for training the muscles of the mouth and improving pronunciation. Try several to warm up your voice before a speech or simply to slow down the speed at which you articulate words.
- Try to say continuously: "On the bench the goat lives, under the bench the goat crack". Emphasize each syllable.
- Repeat: "Three tigers against three tigers, three tigers against three tigers". Say each word clearly. Repeat the sentence without stopping.
Step 3. Extend the vowel sounds
As you practice your pronunciation, try to extend the vowel sounds to lengthen the articulation of each word. This way, you will be able to express yourself more slowly and in a more understandable way.
Emphasize at the beginning and add a little pause between each word. Over time, you will learn not to put them together too much, but to pronounce them clearly
Part 2 of 3: Introducing Pauses and Controlling Speed
Step 1. Add some breaks at appropriate times
Often, those who speak too fast will stumble where a pause would make sense if they were speaking normally. You can introduce it between the end of one sentence and the beginning of another, after providing important information and when you change the subject. So, do your best to include several in your speech.
You will likely need to pause briefly after each single word or add longer pauses after giving some relevant information
Step 2. Allow yourself to use some filler
These are superfluous expressions from an informative and syntactic point of view which, however, allow the listener to better understand the topic and, which offer the speaker time to think before continuing the speech. The occasional use of these words can help you express yourself more slowly and, at the same time, allow the audience to get more in tune with what you are saying.
- These elements include: "I mean", "you know" and "perfect", but also sounds like "er".
- Keep in mind that overuse can give the impression that you are at a loss for words or do not know the answer. Therefore, use fillers sparingly and only to deliver your speech more slowly.
Step 3. Breathe more frequently
Sometimes people hold their breath longer or speak quickly in order to be able to articulate a long sequence of words after taking a breath once. If you want to go slower, try to breathe more often as you speak.
If you tap your speech on the computer, consider adding notes to remind you at what point you need to catch your breath so you can breathe more than usual
Step 4. Look whoever listens to you in the eye
When giving a speech or speaking in front of other people, you should make eye contact with the listener. Thanks to this strategy you will be able to catch the verbal or physical signals of your interlocutors before continuing. In other words, you will be forced to go slower to adjust to whoever stands in front of you.
By speaking slower and engaging bystanders with eye contact, you will help them follow you and understand the topic you are presenting
Step 5. Use some techniques to relax
Often, anxiety and nervousness lead to speaking too fast. You should therefore practice relaxation exercises in order to slow down the pace of speech.
- Try counting your breaths slowly. Inhale deeply and exhale slowly. Count each breath and continue this exercise for 1-5 minutes.
- Try to contract and relax your muscles. Start with your upper body muscles and work your way down slowly towards the others. Contract the muscles of your forehead and face as you inhale. Hold the air for a moment and slowly expel it, relaxing your muscles. Repeat this exercise with the rest of your body, contracting and relaxing all muscles.
Part 3 of 3: Speak the Speech Out Loud
Step 1. Read texts aloud and at different speeds
Try reading a passage aloud at your normal cadence, then try to reread it faster. This way, you will get the impression that any other pace will be slower. So, read it one more time forcing yourself to go slower and keep slowing down until it feels exaggeratedly slow.
By learning to change the speed, you will understand how you have to control the pace at which you pronounce the words
Step 2. Read texts aloud by varying the volume
Read a song aloud at your normal volume. So, try reading it again in a whisper. Practice reading while whispering. By forcing yourself to expel the air at a lower volume, you will automatically learn to express yourself more slowly.
Try to inhale deeply and expel all the air as you complete a single sentence. Add a pause when you finish one and start another
Step 3. Record your voice as you speak
Many people struggle to tell if their pronunciation is difficult to understand, especially during a presentation or speech. So, record your voice as you talk, preferably during a live relationship, not just when you practice, so that you can listen to yourself and spot your mistakes.
- Listen to the recording when you are alone and pause to review it. Try repeating the same speech, trying to solve the problems you have identified.
- Think about the passages where the speech seemed too fast and try to control yourself especially in those points.
Step 4. Ask someone to listen to you and give you an opinion
Ask a friend or colleague you trust to listen to you as you speak and make some notes. Once you are done, ask him what his opinion is, especially in relation to the speed with which you pronounce the words.
