Application of Phonetically Balanced Phrases to Study Speech Rate and Variability

American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) 2026 Annual Convention, Indianapolis, IN Technical Session The rate of speech and utterance duration are metrics for studying speech motor development and the impact of communication disorders. However, our theoretical understanding of rate metrics and their potential for clinical research remain understudied. This study used 37 English phrases to estimate rate and associated variability. Across 20 adult speakers, mean speech rate and mean duration were positively associated with variability while phrase repetition elicited significant increases in rate. Overall, slower speakers maintained slower rates that did not overlap with faster speakers. Differences among typical speakers in oral reading rate has theoretical and clinical applications.