Speech Pacing for Kids: How to Help Fast Talkers Speak More Clearly

"Turtle Talking" is speaking at a slower rate

Children who speak too quickly can struggle to be understood. Rapid speech often leads to unclear articulation, speech sound errors, and lower overall intelligibility. Encouraging a slower rate of speech—what we call “Turtle Talking”—can greatly improve a child’s ability to communicate clearly and confidently.

In this post, we’ll explain:

• How to use the Turtle vs Racehorse analogy in speech therapy

• Why pacing boards and the Turtle Pacing Board app are helpful

• Strategies for carrying over slower speech into everyday conversations

• Techniques for building speech confidence at home

  
  

Table of Contents

• Turtle Talking vs Racehorse Talking

• Using the Turtle Pacing Board App for Speech Pacing

• Speech Rate Strategies for Home Practice

• Building Confidence in Children with Fast Speech

• Conclusion: Helping Your Child Speak Clearly

Turtle Talking vs Racehorse Talking

A simple way to teach rate control is using the Turtle vs Racehorse analogy. Children love this fun, visual way to compare fast and slow talking. The turtle speaks and moves slowly while the racehorse speaks and moves very fast.

How to Play the Turtle vs Racehorse Game:

1. Use picture cards. Take turns with your child turning over a card and saying what’s on it, e.g., “I’ve got a cheeseburger.”

2. Everyone decides together: Did the person talk like a fast racehorse or a slow turtle?

3. Keep a tally of slow (turtle) speech. The goal is to speak like a turtle and earn points for slow, clear talking.

Tip: Avoid constantly telling your child to “slow down.” Instead, use positive feedback during games and model slow speech yourself.

Using the Turtle Pacing Board App for Speech Pacing

Turtle Talk is a pacing board app. Unlike a static paper-based pacing board, it has fun, visual cues to help children pace their speech.

The Turtle Pacing Board App is a modern, interactive pacing board designed to help children control their rate of speech in a fun and visual way.

Why Not Use a Pacing Board?

Traditional paper pacing boards ask children to tap a circle for each word or syllable. However, children often tap too fast—matching their speech to the tapping speed.

What Makes Turtle Pacing Board Different?

• Children must tap a turtle, say a word/syllable, and wait for the turtle to fill with colour and grow before moving on.

• If they tap too quickly, “Too Quick” appears on screen—encouraging better control.

• Includes over 100 conversation starters to practice slow speech in a fun, engaging way.

  
  

Use the app yourself to model slow speech during conversations with your child.

Speech Rate Strategies for Home Practice

Helping your child carry their slow speech into daily life takes consistent support. Here are a few simple strategies:

1. Use Positive Praise

Catch your child speaking slowly and say, “That was lovely turtle-talking!” This encourages slow speech without criticism.

2. Gently Prompt When Needed

If your child rushes, try saying:

“That was a bit like a racehorse—can you try it like a turtle?”

3. Be a Speech Model

If adults around your child speak quickly, your child may copy that pace. Be mindful of your own speech rate and model calm, clear talking.

Building Confidence in Children with Fast Speech

Children with unclear or fast speech may feel self-conscious, especially when they’re asked to repeat themselves often. Boosting their confidence is key to supporting speech development.

1. Schedule Special Time

Spend 5–10 minutes of one-on-one time with your child each day. Choose an activity that doesn’t put pressure on speaking—like puzzles or drawing. This creates relaxed, natural opportunities for speech.

2. Give Specific Praise

Rather than general praise, try:

• “I liked how you helped your brother. That was really kind.”

• “Thanks for helping with the dishes. That was very helpful.”

• “You took great turns during that game!”

Specific praise builds confidence and encourages your child to keep engaging positively—including in speech.

Conclusion: Helping Your Child Speak Clearly

Encouraging your child to speak more slowly through Turtle Talking can significantly improve their clarity, fluency, and confidence. Whether you use games, apps like Turtle Pacing Board, or daily home strategies, your support makes all the difference.

Interested in trying the Turtle Pacing Board App? Learn more about how it supports speech pacing for kids.

Do you have a favorite pacing technique or confidence-building tip? Share it in the comments—we’d love to hear from you!