Are You Talking Too Fast? - 2008-10-11
Many of our foreign accent clients have a speech rate that is way too fast.
We’ll recommend the tried and true techniques of producing multi-syllabic words as if they’re individual words (hotdog would be hot-dog), tapping your finger for each word or syllable, repeating the word ‘100’ between words and phrases, taking a breath after each sentence or exaggerating vowel sounds.
However, often times when these activities are done in conversation, the client feels like he’s loosing his personality. He-will-sound-like-a-ro-bot! So he become very quiet and no longer seem to have the enthusiasm for his topic that he did when he was speaking faster.
Has this happened to you? If so, here is a technique we use that may help you solve this problem.
Videotape an evening news program. TV anchorpersons tend to speak with a moderate to slow speech rate. Have someone transcribe the monologue. Then orally read the transcript along with the anchorperson. Since it's videotaped, you’ll also be able to model some body language as well. This should help you develop a slower speech rate and mimic intonation so you won’t sound like a ro-bot!
Initially accuracy is more important than speed. You’ll need to sacrifice speed until you gain control of phrasing and pronunciation. You can easily pick up the speed you’re used to later.
Remember to practice, practice, practice and nothing takes the place of a qualified Speech Improvement Coach.
Please contact us with your comments or questions about improving your business communication skills or how our accent reduction programs can help you be more successful.
Don Harris, MS, CCC-SLP
Certified Speech Language Pathologist
Business Communication Coach
www.SpeakingSuccessfully.com
