I am a speechwriter. I am looking for research or a study regarding
speech rates. I want a specific citation(s) which I can discuss with
my clients.

I have found several books and many websites claiming to estimate the
average speech rate. These estimates range from 125 to 185 words per
minute. This is a broad range. I would like to know how it breaks down
across demographics: age, gender, education, etc.

I have also found references claiming that talking faster makes a
speaker seem more credible to his audience. I found a vague reference
to a study that may have been done in the Los Angeles area, in 1976.
The effects of talking faster (or slower) would be very useful to me;
but again, I want a specific citation.

If possible, please provide either a link to the text online, or
information about how I could order a hard copy. I would welcome a few
studies, but I don't want to be overwhelmed. If there are many
studies, please select a few considering the following criteria: (1) I
want as much information as possible about speech rates, causes for
different rates, effects of different rates, etc. (2) A recent study
would be better than an outdated study. (3) I'll be mentioning this
information to clients, so a study from Harvard or Yale would probably
sound better than a study from the University of Cincinnati.

If I can offer any information to clarify my question, please don't
hesitate to ask. Thank you, in advance.

Greetings Cribcage:

I based my speech writing rates on the information at Writer's Market.
 The main rate site is at
http://www.writersmarket.com/content/charge.asp and the suggested
speech rates located at
http://www.writersmarket.com/content/howmuch1.asp are:

"Speech editing or evaluation: $50 low, $90 mid-range, $125 high, $200
very high/finished minute. In Canada, $75-125/hour or $70-100/minute
of speech."

"Speechwriting (general): $50 low, $90 mid-range, $125 high, $200 very
high/finished minute. In Canada, $75-125/hour or $70-100/minute of
speech."

"Speechwriting for business owners or executives: Up to $80/hour or a
flat fee of about $100 for a short (6- or 7- minute speech);
$500-3,000 for up to 30 minutes. Rates also depend on size of the
company and the event."

"Speechwriting for government officials: $4,000 for 20 minutes plus up
to $1,000 for travel and expenses."

"Speechwriting for political candidates: $250 and up for local
candidates (about 15 minutes); $375-800 for statewide candidates and
$1,000 or more for national congressional candidates."

This is, of course, not a published study but I believe Writers Market
polls writers for this and other information.  I hope this assists you
in determining your own rates.

Best regards,
journalist-ga