Page 340 - The Creative Training Idea Book Inspired Tips and Techniques for Engaging and Effective Learning

lucas chap 09 11/20/02 1:02 PM Page 329
Monitor Your Rate of Speech Keeping the Communication Flowing 329
The average adult in the United States speaks at a rate of about 125–150 words per
minute (wpm). This may vary with emotion and the region of the country from which
the person comes. It may also vary based on his or her normal living environment. For
example, many people from the southern and rural areas of the country live in an envi-
ronment where the pace of life is slower, and this often is mirrored in the speech pat-
terns. Other people who come from urban and northern areas live in an environment
where the pace is more rapid and frantic; thus, they speak quickly to save time.
Often, some trainers will speak rapidly at the beginning of a session and slow down
later. This is sometimes the result of anxiety or nervousness. You can guard against this
tendency by using some of the stress reducing techniques listed in this chapter. To give
you an idea of how different rates of speech sound, listen to speeches by John F. Kennedy
and Martin Luther King. Kennedy spoke at an average of 180 wpm while King’s “I Have
a Dream” speech started at around 90 wpm and ended at around 150 wpm. To help you
regulate your rate, think about how fast you are speaking and consciously speed up or
slow down for dramatic effect. Also, use pauses occasionally after statements and ques-
tions. This allows you and your learners to think and gives you time for a deep breath.

PUTTING YOUR BRAIN TO WORK: ACTIVITY

To develop an action plan for vocal improvement, answer the following questions. If others know your
presentation style well, ask them for their honest feedback as well. Use the responses to work on
improvement of your delivery.
What vocal delivery skills do you consider strengths?

What areas of your vocal delivery style need improvement? (Be specific.)

What techniques can you think of to help improve areas identified in the preceding?

The right word may be effective, but no word was ever as
effective as a rightly timed pause.
—Mark Twain

TIPS FOR REDUCING NERVOUSNESS

Stage fright or the jitters is normal when training. According to some researchers, people
fear public speaking more than death. Even experienced trainers feel some degree of
apprehension when stepping in front of a group for the first time. Such feelings often