“Should I be worried about my speech impairment?”
I'm 18 years old, and I noticed that I talk rather fast and it causes me to have issues communicating what I want and need. I want to try and correct it, but I'm not sure if it's something that can be treated. What should I do?
12 Answers
Try and find a speech pathologist who would do a consultation for you to determine if you need an evaluation and treatment.
I've worked with people of all ages. If you are motivated to grow in that area, it's a good reason to connect with a professional you trust to see what your potential might be. Stuttering, cluttering, speech sound disorders, orofacial myofunctional disorders can all be supported even as an adult. There are other factors at play too.
Kimberly Baradei
Speech-Language Pathologist
Hi! Thanks for reaching out to me with your question. That is definitely something that can be treated and improve your quality of life. I wouldn't be able to give you specifics until after completing an evaluation, but it sounds like issues with impulsivity and executive functioning skills are impacting your communication. Please search for a Speech Language Pathologist who specializes in adult patients, as they will be able to provide the best treatment for your needs.
I often treat adults for this reason. It's doesn't take that long usually to provide strategies as long as it is just a rate issue. Feel free to reach if you would like me to refer you to someone locally or if I can be of any help.
In short, there are likely several things that can be done, depending on what exactly is happening. Some people who speak very quickly are experiencing whats called cluttering. And even if that is not the case, there are other things that can be done to help you naturally speaking more slowly. If its a concern, I would definitely recommend getting an evaluation by a Speech Therapist. :)
A speech language pathologist could help you slow your rate of speech with breathing coordination strategies and pausing techniques.
I would recommend having an evaluation completed by a speech-language pathologist as well as possibly a psychological evaluation; this should help gather enough information to help you with your communication.
It may be difficult for you to find a speech therapist that will take you on a client for this issue. I would intentionally practice this on your own. You could try recording yourself and listen back to see if you are making improvements. Ultimately, it will take practice and over time slower/ more clear speech will become a habit.
Sounds like cluttering. Have a speech evaluation.
Terlenda Lassiter
Speech-Language Pathologist
Of course it can be helped. Do you see the sentence you wrote to me in your question? Under the last consonant in each word. Now read each word and spend an extra 1/2 second to 1 second on the consonants you underlined in each word. When you emphasize the endings of each word you say, this naturally slows you down. Practice this with different sentences every day. And consult a speech language pathologist for an evaluation because they can help you pace yourself!
Cara M. Gelbart
Speech-Language Pathologist
If the way you speak is bothersome to you, and affects your self-esteem and/or quality of living, then you may consider seeking a Speech-Language Pathologist to perform an assessment of your speech and give you ways to improve your speaking rate.
Hi there,
I would recommend a speech and language evaluation with your local speech pathologist. In the mean time, try tapping out or clapping out your words to slow down your pace of speech. Slowing down and over-exaggerating your mouth movements can help improve clarity when speaking.
I hope this helps!
Ali Matisse, MS CCC-SLP
I would recommend a speech and language evaluation with your local speech pathologist. In the mean time, try tapping out or clapping out your words to slow down your pace of speech. Slowing down and over-exaggerating your mouth movements can help improve clarity when speaking.
I hope this helps!
Ali Matisse, MS CCC-SLP
