This is really IMPORTANT?

Question

I speak very fast, and this annoys people (I know), how can I learn to speak slower???

Answer 1

I assume that you are a native speaker of American English or British English, and I will address my comments accordingly. If you are not a native speaker, or if you are a native speaker of another dialect, let me know and I'll adjust my answer.

Every speaker naturally pauses between groups of words, that is, we always pause between phrases and sentences. The key to making your speech slower is to make these pauses longer. If you say every single word slower, you will annoy people with the slowness of the speech, but if you make your natural pauses longer, people will have more of an opportunity to process what you have said in the previous phrase before you say another one.

Although you won't actually be making the phrases you say any slower, giving longer time between phrases will make your speech appear slower. People will love it.

Answer 2

Try recording yourself, and then play the recording back. Then try saying the same thing again, a little slower, until you've found a speed that is slow enough that others can understand you, but not so slow as to sound ridiculous. Then record yourself saying other things, and, practise until you get the speed right.

You could also practise by mimicking a slow speaker.

And, as another person has suggested, think before you speak, so that you can think out saying what you have to say a little more slowly.

Good luck.

Answer 3

Yes it is extremely annoying, and it is usually difficult to understand, as well. It may indicate that you are more interested in hearing what you have to say than to participating in a dialogue with another.

You've already done the first step, by realizing that you've developed this habit, and that for most would be the most difficult part. Now just speak more slowly...everytime, all the time. Have you best friends slow you down by some signal and you must concentrate yourself.

Good luck.

Answer 4

Practice.

Seriously, in private, read out loud to yourself. Pick a newspaper, book, whatever, listen to yourself, and monitor your tempo as you speak. Check your speed, and how well you pronunciate your words.

It also has a lot to do with stress levels. You might talk faster when you get excited or anxious. Learn to calm yourself down; it might just take something as simple as slowing your breathing.

It could be that you're just a very excitable, high-energy person. There's nothing wrong with that at all. Personally, I am just the opposite; in other words, I have two speeds: "slow" and "stop". High-energy people are good for use laid-back types. We all need each other to balance out.

Now, people who are so easily annoyed...I think they could stand to listen better.
;-)

Answer 5

Vary your tones and pitches. Most of all pause in between sentences and take deep breaths before you speak. Join the your local toastmasters, I think you'd get very good tips on speaking and making speeches. If you are wealthy, you could hire a speech pathologist to help you improve your speech.

Answer 6

I admire people who have the ability to speak fast. I can't get a sentence out without pauses, ums and lost for words. Anyways, try consciously to speak slowly. No one is in a hurry to leave you, you audience won't run away, so take your time to speak.

Answer 7

You need to make a conscious effort to speak slower.

Answer 8

If you concentrate on what you say it should slow you down, I used to have this problem as well. It was because I just used to talk for the sake of talking. I find if I'm excited I talk fast as well, so I try to let others talk instead & just listen.

Answer 9

before you start to talk think about what you are going to say in your head, then concentrate on it while you saying it to talk a bit slower.

Answer 10

don't take this issue personal
and be aware of it cause maybe it will be a habit in the long run
its not a complicated one
just relax and remember always to b slower
wish u the best
:)