WGXC-90.7 FM
Radio News: Listeners hear news readers best at mid-pace
Apr 04, 2016 10:09 pm
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Emma Rodero, a communication and psychology professor at Pompeu Fabra University in Spain, released a study in 2015 called, “Influence of Speech Rate and Information Density on Recognition: The Moderate Dynamic Mechanism,” that, “may have significant repercussions for newscasters and radio stations.” Students tested in the study considered 150 words per minute to be a slow pace for someone talking. A speed of 170 to 190 words per minute was rated as “normal” and a speech rate of 210 words per minute was considered fast. At below 150 words per minute, or above 210 words per minute, students had the trouble with information density, producing “cognitive overload.” So here is this report again, first played at 140 words per minute, then 160, then 180, then 210 words per minute.
Emma Rodero, a communication and psychology professor at Pompeu Fabra University in Spain, released a study in 2015 called, “Influence of Speech Rate and Information Density on Recognition: The Moderate Dynamic Mechanism,” that, “may have significant repercussions for newscasters and radio stations.” Students tested in the study considered 150 words per minute to be a slow pace for someone talking. A speed of 170 to 190 words per minute was rated as “normal” and a speech rate of 210 words per minute was considered fast. At below 150 words per minute, or above 210 words per minute, students had the trouble with information density, producing “cognitive overload.” So here is this report again, first played at 140 words per minute, then 160, then 180, then 210 words per minute.