What "good pace" actually is (context ranges)
There's no single "correct" speaking pace. The right speed depends on context.
Here are the ranges that work:
- Conversational (150-160 wpm): Most natural for casual updates, 1-on-1s, informal meetings
- Deliberate (120-140 wpm): Best for key points, complex ideas, or when you want emphasis
- Energetic (170-190 wpm): Works for storytelling, excitement, or rallying a group
- Too slow (under 110 wpm): Feels condescending or disengaged
- Too fast (over 200 wpm): Sounds anxious or hard to follow
The problem isn't speaking fast. It's being inconsistent.
If you open at 140 wpm, spike to 180 mid-sentence, then crash to 120 at the end, you sound uncertain. The listener can't lock into your rhythm.
Good speakers vary pace intentionally. They speed up for momentum, slow down for emphasis, and stay consistent within each segment.
How to find your baseline:
- Record a 60-second informal update (no script)
- Use a speech tool or transcription service to count words
- Divide by time to get your natural pace
If your baseline is 150-170 wpm, you're in the conversational range. That's your anchor. From there, you can shift up or down based on what the moment needs.
The metronome drill (30-sec segments)
Musicians use metronomes to lock in tempo. Speakers can do the same.
This drill trains you to hold a specific pace for 30 seconds without drifting.
How it works:
- Pick a target pace (start with 150 wpm)
- Set a metronome to match (150 bpm = 2.5 beats per second)
- Speak for 30 seconds, syncing your words to the beat
- Record and check: Did you stay on pace, or did you drift?
The first few tries feel robotic. That's normal. You're building muscle memory for what 150 wpm feels like.
After 5 reps at the same pace, you'll internalize it. You won't need the metronome anymore—your brain will default to that rhythm.
Progression:
- Master 150 wpm (conversational anchor)
- Add 130 wpm (deliberate mode for emphasis)
- Add 170 wpm (energetic mode for momentum)
Now you have three gears. You can shift between them intentionally instead of letting your pace spiral.
The emphasis ramp (slow the keyword)
When you want a word to land, slow down only that word.
This creates contrast. The rest of your sentence flows at normal pace, but the keyword gets space.
Example (no emphasis): "We need to act quickly on this issue."
Example (emphasis ramp): "We need to act [slow] quickly [return to pace] on this issue."
The slowdown signals: This word matters. Pay attention.
How to practice:
- Write a sentence with one keyword you want to emphasize
- Record yourself saying it at normal pace (no emphasis)
- Re-record, slowing down only the keyword to 50% speed
- Listen: Does the keyword stand out? Does it feel natural?
Most people over-emphasize at first. The keyword doesn't need to be dramatically slow—just noticeably slower than the surrounding words.
Aim for a 20-30% reduction in pace for the keyword. That's enough contrast to make it stick.
Fixing "rush at the end" syndrome
You start strong. Controlled pace, clear delivery. Then halfway through, you speed up. By the last sentence, you're racing to the finish.
Why does this happen?
- You run out of breath
- You sense time pressure (real or imagined)
- You lose confidence and want to finish quickly
The fix: Pre-mark your endpoints.
Before you speak, identify the last sentence or phrase. That's your anchor. When you reach it, consciously slow down by 10-20 wpm.
Bad (rushed ending): "So in summary we should prioritize the beta launch adjust pricing and confirm the timeline by Friday." [170 wpm, no pauses]
Good (controlled ending): "So in summary: [pause] we should prioritize the beta launch, [pause] adjust pricing, [pause] and confirm the timeline [slow] by Friday." [140 wpm with intentional slowdown]
The second version doesn't feel rushed. It feels complete.
How to practice:
- Outline a 60-second update with a clear closing line
- Record yourself delivering it
- Check the pace of your last 10 seconds: Did it speed up or stay controlled?
- If it sped up, re-record and force yourself to slow the final sentence
Your ending is your last impression. Don't throw it away by rushing.
Keep it: weekly 5-minute tune-up
Pace control isn't one-and-done. It drifts over time. A weekly tune-up keeps you locked in.
The routine:
Minute 1: Baseline check. Record a 60-second update and measure your natural pace. Is it still in your target range?
Minute 2: Metronome drill. Pick one pace (150 wpm, 130 wpm, or 170 wpm). Speak for 30 seconds on pace.
Minute 3: Emphasis ramp. Say 3 sentences with one keyword emphasis each. Slow the keyword, keep the rest flowing.
Minute 4: Ending drill. Deliver a closing statement. Force yourself to slow the last sentence by 10-20 wpm.
Minute 5: Listen back. Spot-check one drill. Does it sound controlled? If not, note what drifted (too fast, too slow, inconsistent) and adjust next week.
Five minutes. Four drills. One check-in. Done weekly, this keeps your pace dialed in.
Get your pace report in under a minute
Pace is trainable. You don't need perfect pitch or natural charisma. You need:
- Awareness of your baseline
- Control over your range (slow, conversational, energetic)
- Intentional emphasis (slow the keyword)
- Discipline at the end (don't rush the close)
Here's how to start:
Right now: Do a 60-second baseline check. Record yourself giving an update on any topic. Count the words. Divide by time. That's your natural pace.
If you're in the 150-170 wpm range, you're solid. If you're under 130 or over 190, you're outside the conversational zone. That's your first fix.
Then pick one drill from this post:
- Metronome drill (hold 150 wpm for 30 seconds)
- Emphasis ramp (slow one keyword per sentence)
- Ending drill (control the last 10 seconds)
Run it once today. Then again tomorrow. By the end of the week, you'll feel the difference.
Pace isn't about being slow or fast. It's about being consistent and intentional.
Lock in your baseline. Build your range. Keep it sharp with weekly tune-ups.
That's how you sound controlled, every time you speak.