TALKING POINT
Speed doesn't help here
Speed does appear thrilling depending upon the situation.
If you are a professional racer on the road or on a gaming console, the way to go is to blaze away to glory. However, in the context of speaking, speeding might not be so desirable.
To someone who is not proficient in English, a fast paced way of speaking might appear impressive.
But people who know a language really well will look more at what you are saying rather than how fast you are saying it.
In addition, speed brings with it its fair share of troubles which I will attempt to take a look at.
Learning a new language also involves learning to think in it.
While starting out, it takes us time to choose the right words which will frame our thoughts.
When these words are new to us and we are not very sure of all the implications, discretion becomes the key. While you need to make sure that your speech is not terribly slow, there is no need to believe that stepping on the accelerator is the way to go. While replying to a question or when asked to explain something, think for a while and take small pauses now and then as you speak.
Importance of pauses
The importance of pauses in a public speech can be taken as a case in point here. It's common to feel nervous when asked to address a crowd. You become terribly self-conscious and worry about the crowd's response to what you are about to say. In such situations, an even pace and occasional pauses go a long way to make your speech intelligible and well organised.
The pauses not only let you organise your thoughts, but also give you an opportunity to notice and gauge the response of your listeners. If you see them paying attention, you know you are doing a good job.
Pauses also dispel the initial nervousness which your opening words possibly convey and you gain confidence as you go along.
It also allows your words to sink in.
In contrast, if you go fast, you run the risk of messing up your arguments, you hardly get time to look at your audience, you get no time to reflect on what you are saying and your arguments become extremely difficult to follow. Speaking fast can also result in you stumbling and appearing lost for words in contrast to the composed demeanour that deliberate slowness and rising confidence can lend.
Impression
In addition to these problems, you also need to think what message you are sending to the audience through the manner of your speech. If you speak too fast, you are giving the impression that either you are nervous or you are in a hurry and have no time for your audience. You wouldn't want your audience to get either of those ideas right? An evenly paced, well organised speech conveys your message effectively and also expresses your interest in the topic and your respect for all those who are listening to you.
Soumalaya Chakraborty
tips@skillspark.com
www.skillspark.com
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