Achieving clear, confident speech is essential to top-notch professional communication. In addition to saying the sounds of each word is a crisp, clear manner, another important part of increasing clarity is slowing down your rate of speech. If you’re like most people, you tend to rush your words when nervous or under pressure. Unfortunately, these moments (for example, at a job interview or giving an important presentation) are exactly when clarity counts the most!
When you speak too quickly, it often sounds as if your words are running together, making it difficult for your listener to understand you. Rushed speech also makes it difficult for others to process your message. You want to make sure your audience doesn’t just hear your words, but that they also fully absorb what it is you’re saying. If you’re speaking at a breakneck pace, your audience is less likely to fully understand your message, and your words will have far less impact.
The wrong rate of speech can also have a negative impact on your image. Rushing your speech makes it seem as though you have little confidence in your message and are trying to get speaking over with as quickly as possible. Speaking at a relaxed, easy pace gives your audience the impression that you are a confident leader, and that what you have to say is worth taking the time to listen to.
Like any skill, this takes practice. You might initially feel unnatural in your spoken delivery but that is part of the process. If you’d like to learn more about taking your professional communication skills to the next level, give me a call at 212-308-7725 or send me an e-mail at info@corporatespeechsolutions.com. I’d be more than happy to answer any questions you might have!
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