Find Your Tempo: The Art and Science of Pace in Public Speaking

“I need to watch his talk at 2x speed.” — Anonymous YouTube User

Pace (a.k.a. speaking rate) is the prosodic lever that makes an audience lean forward in suspense—or scramble to keep up like they’re chasing an auctioneer with a caffeine addiction. We measure it, modulate it, and—when we master it—use it to steer attention as surely as a Formula 1 driver uses the throttle.

What Do We Mean by Pace of Speech?

First things first, what exactly is the pace of speech? Also known as speaking rate or speed of speech, it refers to how quickly or slowly someone speaks. It's the rate at which words are delivered to an audience. Think of it as the tempo of your verbal performance. Just like music, where tempo sets the mood, the pace of your speech significantly impacts how your message is received.

How is Pace Measured?

Now, let's get a bit technical. How do we actually measure pace? There are a few common units:

• Words Per Minute (WPM): This is the most common metric. It's simply the number of words spoken in one minute. It's easy to calculate and understand, making it a popular choice. However, WPM can be influenced by the length of words used (“cat” vs. “categorically”), so it's not always a precise measure of speaking speed.
• Syllables Per Minute (SPM): This measures the number of syllables spoken in a minute. SPM can provide a more accurate picture of speaking rate, especially when comparing speakers who use different word lengths, or even across different languages. However, it's a bit more complex to calculate – how many syllables are in “jewelry”? It depends on how you pronounce it.

Most commonly, to measure pace, simply count the number of words (or syllables), divided by the elapsed time from the first to the last sound of a speech. An alternative is to exclude time spent in pauses within the speech – sometimes referred to as articulation rate, giving you a slightly higher number on pace.

Normal Ranges and Audience Impressions

So, what's considered a "normal" pace? Generally:

• Conversational speech: Often falls between 120 to 150 WPM.
• Public speaking: Can range from 100 to 180 WPM, depending on the content and context.

Different paces create different impressions on the audience.

• Fast Pace (above 180 WPM): Can convey excitement, urgency, or nervousness. It might also make it harder for the audience to follow along.
• Slow Pace (below 100 WPM): Can suggest seriousness, emphasis, or thoughtfulness. However, too slow can lead to boredom or impatience.
• Moderate Pace (100-180 WPM): Often feels natural and comfortable for the audience. It allows for clear understanding and engagement.

When analysts study TED Talks, they find averages around 170 WPM, but speaker-to-speaker swings from 154 WPM (Brené Brown) to 201 WPM (Tony Robbins)—proof that no single pace is optimal.

The Nuances of Pace

Pace isn't just about overall WPM for the entire speech. There's more to it than that.

• Overall Pace vs. Segment Pace: We normally talk about an average WPM for your speech, but your pace can vary significantly within different sections. Some parts might be faster to convey excitement, while others might be slower for clarity.
• Sentence or Phrase Pace: The pace of a single sentence or phrase can dramatically affect its impact. Short, fast sentences can feel punchy, while long, slow sentences can feel dramatic.

Laboratory studies echo intuition: comprehension drops when sentences are time-compressed beyond roughly 25 % faster than normal, while slowing by a similar margin doesn’t hurt understanding.

Should You Vary the Pace?

Absolutely! Varying your pace is one of the best ways to keep your audience engaged.

• Benefits of Pace Variation: It adds interest, emphasizes key points, and helps convey different emotions. Just like music, a varied tempo makes the performance more dynamic and captivating.
• When to Go Faster: During exciting or energetic parts of your speech. When summarizing or moving through less critical information.
• When to Go Slower: When explaining complex ideas or sharing important statistics. When wanting to create drama or emphasis.

As the renowned communication coach Vinh Giang summarized, “When you’re saying something important, slow down. Otherwise it’s OK to speed up.”

Coordinating Pace with Other Vocal Qualities

Pace doesn't exist in a vacuum. It works best when coordinated with other vocal qualities.

• Pace and Pitch: A faster pace often goes hand-in-hand with a higher pitch to convey excitement. Slower pace can be combined with a lower pitch for seriousness.
• Pace and Power: Loud parts can be slower for emphasis, or fast for urgency. Quiet parts can be slower for intimacy, or faster to convey a hurried secret.
• Pace and Pause: Pauses are essential for regulating pace and adding emphasis. A long pause before a fast-paced section can create anticipation.

Master speakers treat these sliders like a DJ mixing tracks: no abrupt solo moves, always blended for effect.

Conclusion

Mastering pace is a critical skill for any public speaker. It's about finding the right rhythm that suits your message and your audience. By understanding how pace is measured, what impressions different paces give, and how to coordinate pace with other vocal qualities, you can significantly enhance your speaking skills. Remember, the goal is to keep your audience engaged and help them understand and connect with your message.

While this blog doesn't explicitly cover exercises to improve pacing, for practical techniques to fine-tune your speaking rate, check out our comprehensive guide: → Finding Your Perfect Pace. Until then, pay attention to the pace of speakers you admire. Notice when they speed up and slow down, and how it affects their delivery. Happy speaking!