How do I speed up eSpeak?

[Amanda Lacy]

Hi,

I really need to make the switch from Windows to Linux but eSpeak
under Orca is way too slow. I'm used to NVDA's rate boost option with
speed set between 40 and 50. At 100%, eSpeak with Orca is maybe half
that speed - too slow to be productive. I'm aware of Voxin but it
costs, and I prefer eSpeak. Can someone please tell me how to fix it?

Thanks,
Amanda