Parents frequently worry about their children, one remark in particular being that they are “slow to talk” – a suggestion that there are developmental issues in the said child. Yet it’s the opposite case when children become older and are told to stop “talking too fast”. There’s a bit of wisdom there.
When you do slow your talk, you’ll realise that people are likely to listen more carefully to what you say and less likely to tune out, as you create an authoritative air.
Actor John Wayne once advised to “Talk low, talk slow, and don’t talk too much.”
Finding the balance can be hard but slow talk is a fundamental part of Slow Life.
If you’re talking fast then the chances are that you are thinking fast too. However talking fast is not just necessarily a factor of having a lot to say, it could also suggest that you’re feeling uneasy in a social situation – or more generally with life. When you’re feeling rushed, your words mimic your attitude.
It’s good to observe your feelings when you are aware that you are talking quickly to understand the root cause.
Remember the lyrics of singer Louis Armstrong, “We have all the time in the world”.
Being overly aware of what you are saying can in itself can cause you to become nervous and jumble your words and the reverse is true that when you’re more in the flow and relaxed then you’re likely to be able to slow your speech down.
Practise reading aloud slowly and ensure you look the person you are talking to in the eye as much as possible. If you are on the phone, then imagine that there is a natural delay like when you call someone long distance.
It’s easier to listen due to a more natural rhythm created when deep breaths are taken. Most importantly, slow talk creates dialogue. Slow talking offers an open window called listening. By ensuring that each of your sentences have a clear conclusion allows those around you to add their opinions, ask questions and, ultimately, relate to you.
Image credit: rileyroxx
