About Playback Speed & Comprehension Breaks

To support your study, practice, and understanding of Course principles, the ACIM Audio App gives you the flexibility to listen at the pace that best serves you. You can slow the audio down, speed it up, or settle somewhere in between. The app also offers comprehension breaks, which support deeper understanding. These settings can be especially helpful when listening while walking, cooking, or multitasking.

What Are Comprehension Breaks?

Comprehension breaks add brief pauses between sentences and paragraphs. This allows you to immerse yourself in the Course’s teachings at your own pace, opening to inspiration and understanding by slowing the audio speed and adding longer pauses between sentences.

Simple Speed Options

Adjusting playback speed and pauses can be done in three easy steps:


  1. Tap the Speed (clock) icon at the bottom below the playback controls.
  2. Swipe left or right on the Playback Speed adjustment bar.
  3. Tap the X in the Playback Speed window to close it.

See below for detailed instructions and screenshots.

Step 1. Tap Speed icon

Adjust playback speed and pauses between sentences with a straightforward slider.

Adjust speed with the slider

Slide your finger across the Playback Speed adjustment bar to decrease or increase the pauses between sentences. Slide to the left to slow down the audio and add longer pauses. Slide to the right to increase playback speed, with or without pauses.


Using Custom Speed

For more control, you can switch to Custom Speed. This allows you to choose the pace that feels just right for you. You can adjust playback speed independently of comprehension breaks, giving you complete control over how you engage with the Course. You can switch back to the simple speed settings anytime.


Access and Set Custom Speed

  1. Tap the Speed button while listening. The number above the slider shows the exact speed you’ve selected.
  2. Tap the Set Custom Speed button.
  3. Use the slider to adjust the playback speed with precision, or tap a voice speed button option.
  4. Tap and choose your Comprehension Breaks from the dropdown.

How to Adjust Custom Comprehension Breaks

Under Comprehension Breaks, choose the amount of pause you prefer:

    • None
    • Short
    • Medium
    • Long

Your selections for speed and pauses will remain in place until you adjust them again.


You can switch back to the simple speed settings anytime.

If you have any questions or would like support in choosing the settings that work best for you, we’re here to help.