The Role That Pace Of Speech Plays In Delivering A Presentation
Table of Contents
Have you ever put an audiobook or podcast on 2x speed and tried to keep up with the speaker’s pace? Or, have you ever watched an episode of Gilmore Girls and been shocked at how fast Rory and Lorelai talk to each other?
If so, you understand how much affect speech pace can have.
Whether in conversation or in a presentation, the pace of your speech can have a huge impact on how listeners engage and respond to what you say.
In this blog, we will take a look at speech pace, what a good public speaking pace is, why it’s important, and how to find your pace.
Before we jump into the article, check out our portfolio of projects.
When We Say 'Pace Of Speech', What Do We Mean?
When we refer to the pace of your speech, it usually means how fast you are speaking, or how many words per minute you are speaking.
A normal pace – often a conversational pace – usually sits between 120-150 words per minute. Some professions, like auctioneers, professional debaters, and sports commentators’ pace of speech typically ranges from 200-450 words per minute.
The Guinness book of World Records has Sean Shannon from Canada as the current record holder for the fastest talker, with a rate of 655 words per minute.
Speech rates vary from person to person and can often be too fast/too slow depending on the person and the situation.
For example, individuals may speak faster when they want to demonstrate urgency or when they are anxious. On the other hand, they might speak slower on more somber and serious occasions, to speak for dramatic effect, or to reiterate an important point.
Why Is The Pace In Which Your Speak Important?
The pace at which you speak is important when it comes to your audience’s ability to understand what is being said. Additionally, you should vary your pace throughout in order to emphasis key moments in your information in your presentation.
If you talk fast, your audience may have a hard time understanding what you are saying. On the other hand, if you speak at a slow pace, your listeners may lose interest or stop paying attention.
While you might vary your pace throughout your conversation or presentation, be sure to consider your audience as you set an engaging pace.
What Does Your Speech Pace Indicate?
Your speaking rate (and your body language!) can indicate different things to your audience. The art of pacing is an important skill that public speaking professionals will learn and refine over years of perfecting their craft.
Let’s look at the effects that speaking fast or slow might have.
Speaking Slowly
Speaking slowly can indicate a somber and serious tone. It can also indicate that the speaker is unsure of what they are saying and can be paired with filler words like um, uh, or like.
Additionally, a slower pace can also happen when the speaker takes pauses for dramatic effect or to give the audience time to digest new information.
Speaking Quickly
Alternatively, if the presenter is speaking quickly, this could indicate a sense of urgency, passion, excitement, and emotion. If you speak quickly, it might also mean that you are nervous and want to rush through your presentation.
How Can You Tell If You're Speaking Too Fast, Or Too Slow?
If you’re the one speaking, it might be difficult to figure out if you are speaking too fast, slow, or just right. As we’ve said above, your speaking rate can have an effect on how your audience perceives you and engaged with your presentation material.
Keeping an eye on your audience participants is key to determining if your speech rate is appropriate. If you’re audience looks disengaged, bored, or tired, you may be speaking too slow.
On the other side, if your audience looks confused or lost throughout your entire talk, you may be speaking faster than the average rate.
What Impact Does The Wrong Speed Have When Public Speaking?
While you might think that things like the speed of your talking voice might now matter, the wrong speed can actually have quite the impact.
Using a regular speaking rate is one of the best ways to talk to your audience. Talking too fast or slow can help make a point, but shouldn’t be used throughout the entire talk. In fact, this, along with other common presentation mistakes, can have an impact on the audience’s perception of your business.
A good speaker can leave a lasting impression on your audience and can lead to more sales, higher interest, and more connections.
You Need To Find Your Own Speech Rate
In order to become a better presenter, you will need to practice and find your speech rate.
How Can You Find Your Pace?
You can find out whether you are talking to fast, too slow, or just right by timing the speed of your talking rate.
The speech rate is determined by adding up the total words you speak per minute.
For example, if you record your talking voice for one minute and count the number of words you speak, you can find your speech rates.
This process may need a few tries and different lengths of time to nail down. You might even practice going through your entire speech and then determining your speech rate when listening to it. Not only will this help you practice your presentation, but it can help with finding a good pace.
There are a few apps you can use that can help you track your speech pace as you prepare for your presentation. Some of these apps include Preply, Orai, and Ummo.
How Do You Perfect Your Pace?
Like any skill, it’s all about practice. The best public speakers are skilled with words and their voice. They know how to bring excitement, build suspense with a pause, capture an audience in one word, and can hear the differences between paces of speech.
A great public speaker will master the conversational range of speech, know when to use pauses, and can speed up or slow down their speech based on what they are saying in that moment.
Through regular practice and recording your presentations, you will be able to hone the craft of public speaking and regulating your pace. You’ll also be able to determine the perfect length of a presentation, including the number of slides you should include to keep your audience engaged.
Here Are Our Final Thoughts On Pace Of Your Speech During A Presentation
A great presentation will use various speech paces to keep audiences engaged, highlight key pieces of information, and show excitement or passion. Understanding your pace will help you become a better presenter and public speaker.
Are You In Need Of A World Class Presentation? You've Found Us!
A good public speaker and presenter needs a great slide deck! If you’re ready to up your presentation game, you’ve come to the right place!
At PresentationGeeks, we know the value that a slidedeck provides to a presentation. Our team of design experts have years of experience creating captivating presentation slides that will grab your audience’s attention and keep them informed.
Want to learn more? Contact us today!
