How to Pace Yourself When Speaking

Pace

Have you ever been told you talk too fast or too slow during a presentation?

Let's dissect that for a moment. What pace is too fast vs. too slow? Why is either a problem? Is it because the person is trying to keep up and your quick pace is hard to process? Is slower better, or is it not enough to keep their interest? How do you solve this problem (is it even a problem)? You might have to be a wizard and figure out the exact pace that makes everyone happy.

Our brains are attuned for detecting patterns. When we find them, things start to blend in. Remember that catchy song you were recently listening to while working? I bet you remember the pattern and can work while it's playing. You can focus on other things because you have trained yourself to expect the pattern that is playing. We can tune out on patterns and put them in the back of our minds.

Pacing Yourself

1. Plot Your Pace

Most people speak 150 to 160 words per minute but tend to ramp it up when they get nervous or excited. If you are trying to convey excitement, an uptick in speed is natural, whether you are a fast talker or not. What isn’t natural is speeding through your entire presentation, which can make you appear as if you are nervous or lack confidence. When you rush your words, they also tend to tumble over one another. That lack of enunciation can make it difficult for the audience to understand what you are saying.

Reduce your pace when you discuss more complicated information, emphasize a key point, or seek to build drama.

For most of your talk, you can cruise along at an average conversational rate of speed, which is 150 to 160 words per minute.

Employ a bit more speed when you express excitement, issue an urgent call to action, or reach the punch line of an interesting story.

2. Press Pause

For some people, particularly those who are naturally fast talkers, a reduction in speed also brings about a reduction in energy – a formula that does little to attract an audience’s attention.

Here are two ways to give your words some space:

Pausing does not necessarily slow how quickly you say the words, but it gives the perception that you are talking more slowly and deliberately.

Here are some ideas:

– a one-second break can follow the end of each sub-point

– a two-second pause after you click to a new visual

– three to four seconds could span the gap between two main points

Do a test run while speaking at your natural pace and employing pauses.

3. Time yourself

Your practice time will typically be shorter than your actual presentation, which likely will grow by a few minutes as you react to the energy of the crowd and the environment.

4. Be wary of the written word

Presumably, you have such an intimate knowledge of your topic that you might not even realize that you are verbally flying through a passage.

Here’s what you can do:

When practicing from a script, mark it with slash marks to indicate the places you plan to pause.

Even if you read from a passage or deliver a list of items, eye contact is crucial in making a connection with your audience.

5. Repeat yourself

In general, reiteration helps your audience retain and, later, recall your main messages.

As you open your speech, lay out the main messages you plan to convey.

As you move from one point to the next, you create the bridge.

As you wrap up your speech, send your audience off with your key points.

If you are more comfortable moving at a quicker clip when you talk, you may not necessarily be putting your presentation in peril. With these tips, you will make the most of your unique vocal delivery, while ensuring your audience departs having clearly heard your most important points.