Have you ever heard a speaker and thought, wow, they are speaking really fast? Suddenly, you’re thinking more about how you want the speaker to slow down rather than their message?
If you find yourself speaking too fast, remember the Metronome. A metronome is a practice tool that produces a steady pulse to help musicians play rhythms accurately. It can also help slow down a fast-paced speaker.
Speaking too fast is a common occurrence especially with people wired with a high sense of urgency. Many years ago, I had a business professional in our Speaker Lab whose message was important but was lost because she talked too fast. She was practicing her speech and, after she finished the first time, I invited her to listen to the rhythmic sound of my snapping fingers.
She tried her speech again. Like magic, she set her cadence and was clear, concise, and confident.
The next time you need to give a presentation, remember the metronome.
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