What percentage of inhalation occurs during speech breathing?

In speech breathing, the percentage of inhalation that occurs is typically around 10%. This value reflects the different breathing patterns used during speech as opposed to regular tidal breathing. During speech, individuals engage in shorter inhalation phases and longer exhalation phases to support the production of speech sounds.

The process of speech production requires more air pressure and flow during exhalation, as the vocal cords need consistent airflow to produce sound. Consequently, while at rest, breathing is more balanced between inhalation and exhalation, speech demands a more pronounced emphasis on the exhalation phase.

This anatomical and physiological understanding of how our respiratory system supports speech is key for speech-language pathology and helps professionals evaluate and address any issues related to speech production. That characteristic of speech production is affirmed by research in speech science, which quantifies the time spent inhaling versus exhaling during communicative tasks.