Our speech is linked to our thinking. When people think very quickly, they usually speak quickly as well. Speaking quickly also demonstrates engagement and enthusiasm.
However, be careful: if you're a fast talker, there are factors that can increase your speaking speed even further. When we're enthusiastic, we speak even faster. When we're nervous because we have stage fright, that also increases our speaking speed.
If you speak too quickly, your audience doesn't have the opportunity to fully grasp what you're trying to convey. This means that essential information is lost when you speak too fast.
We lose our listeners. They simply can't follow us anymore because they're no longer in the same frame of mind as we are. This means our thoughts are no longer easily understood by your listeners. And that's a shame.
When you speak more slowly, you appear confident and composed.
However, it's always important to vary your speaking pace, sometimes speaking quickly, sometimes more slowly. This is the only way to captivate your audience and keep them more attentive.
Be Aware
You don't actually have to learn to speak slowly. Anyone can do it. You just have to consciously focus on it. Make a conscious effort to remember to speak more slowly – for example, if you're using index cards or cue cards during your presentation, mark an "L" or a large red dot on them. If we want the message to get across, we automatically speak more slowly.
Many people cram far too much information into their presentations. "If you have a lot to say, you have to speak faster. You can't fit everything you want into a short speaking time. That stresses you and your audience. Include less, but more important information. This gives you more time and the feeling that you can and should speak more slowly.
"Some speakers fail to clearly emphasize the significance of what they're saying. You'll be much more persuasive if you emphasize key points and speak more slowly."
More Relaxation
When you're relaxed, you'll speak more calmly. In situations where a lot of stress is released, it's crucial to relax. Conscious, deep breathing in and out helps you do this, ideally into your abdomen. Doing this before a speech works wonders.
Also, check your mindset. If you're thinking, "Let's just get this presentation over with quickly," then you'll speak too fast.
You can speak at a fast pace, but pause. This gives the other person time to reflect on what you've said. It's not necessarily about speaking more slowly, but about pausing. You can speak quickly, then pause. This gives the other person the opportunity, or rather the time, to understand what you've said. If you speak relatively quickly and pause, others will be able to understand what you're saying well. The perceived speed will decrease, even if you're actually still speaking relatively fast.
You're signaling to your brain that you can take your time. The pauses you consciously create will also unconsciously affect your speaking pace. You will speak more slowly by consciously pausing.
Make sure you separate your thoughts. Don't insert pauses between words unnecessarily, but only between the steps of thought.
One thought – pause – next thought. A period – pause – next thought.
The pause is the most powerful rhetorical tool. If you say nothing, your listeners want to know what's coming next. That's why the pause is so effective.
You can practice speaking slowly by reading something aloud, but in a slow manner. Or by giving a presentation, but doing so slowly. And if you train yourself to do it gradually, it will become a normal state for your brain, one that you will also use in everyday life.
Or speak in slow motion. This will sound strange to you. Effectively, you might be 10-20% slower, but with the advantage that your message is guaranteed to get through to the other person.
You can also practice speaking more slowly in everyday life. Often, when we want to tell a story, we naturally tend to speak a bit faster. Focus on speaking slowly and clearly in everyday situations as well.
You can put a rubber band over your hand. Whenever you notice yourself speaking too fast, pull the rubber band. This stimulus will remind you to speak more slowly.
Mumbling and speaking too quickly are a no-go, because then you won't be understood. Articulate more clearly. My articulation exercises in my guide "Powerful Voice in Just 5 Minutes" will help you with this.
Speaking too fast is a thing of the past. If you follow these 7 tips, you'll find yourself speaking with more composure. Your audience will be able to follow you and your presentation more easily, and you'll come across as more confident and convincing.
If you'd like to take your speaking pace and presentation skills to the next level, feel free to contact me.
I wish you every success!
Danja
About Danja Bauer: With 27 years of experience as a singer, presenter, and speaker on national and international stages, Danja Bauer is an expert in effective and captivating presentations. A multi-award-winning speaker, including at the 2020 Toastmasters International Public Speaking Competition, Danja Bauer helps executives and entrepreneurs become passionate public speakers. She shares her extensive knowledge through coaching, workshops, and keynote speeches.
Contact Danja Bauer at:
info@danjaherself
Speaking too fast is a thing of the past. If you follow these 7 tips, you'll find yourself speaking with more composure. Your audience will be able to follow you and your presentation more easily, and you'll come across as more confident and convincing.
If you'd like to take your speaking pace and presentation skills to the next level, feel free to contact me.
I wish you every success!
Danja
About Danja Bauer: With 27 years of experience as a singer, presenter, and speaker on national and international stages, Danja Bauer is an expert in effective and captivating presentations. A multi-award-winning speaker, including at the 2020 Toastmasters International Public Speaking Competition, Danja Bauer helps executives and entrepreneurs become passionate public speakers. She shares her extensive knowledge through coaching, workshops, and keynote speeches.
Contact Danja Bauer at:
info@danjabauer.com
