Don’t skip over any words, not even the small ones. Enunciate each syllable of every word.
Try saying, “The lips, the teeth, the tip of the tongue” over and over. Exaggerate each syllable. Repeat the words “rubber baby buggy bumpers. ” Say each word clearly. Repeat the phrase again and again.
Exaggerate it at first and add a short pause between each word. Over time, this will help you learn to not link your words together so intensely while still enunciating each word clearly.
You may need to pause between each word, or add extra-long pauses after important information.
These include things like “um,” “uh,” “I mean,” “you know,” and “like. ” Keep in mind that using too many filler words can make it look like you are struggling to find the right words, or don’t know the answer. Use these sparingly, and only as a means to help you slow down your speech.
If you have a typed speech, you should consider adding notes for yourself to remember when to breathe and to do it more frequently than you normally would.
Speaking more slowly and engaging with your audience with eye contact will help them keep up with you and understand what you’re talking about.
Try counting your breaths slowly. Inhale deeply and exhale slowly. Count each breath and continue this practice for one to five minutes. Try clenching and releasing your muscles. Start with the muscles at the top and work your way down. Clench the muscles in your forehead and face while you breathe in. Hold the breath for a moment and then slowly release it, unclenching the muscles as you go. Repeat this process as you work your way down your body, clenching and releasing all of your muscles.
With practice, this kind of speed alteration will help you learn how to control the tempo of your voice.
Try to inhale deeply and then expel all of the air while you complete a single phrase. Pause between phrases.
Play the recording when you are alone and have some time to analyze what you hear. Try practicing the same speech again, but make a conscious effort to alter some of the issues you noticed in the recording. Think about places in which your speech seemed especially fast, and practice slowing down especially in those moments.
Try to take their criticism in a good natured manner. Remember that you asked them to do this for you.
