What is the Average Speaking Rate? (Flashback Friday #37)

On Fridays, we dip into the Six Minutes article archive in search of one of the most memorable articles. We’ll dust it off, shine a light on it, and consider it from a new perspective.

Today’s Flashback Article

This week, we’re reaching back to November 2012 to learn the factors that influence your speaking rate.

This article, like so many on Six Minutes, was prompted by a reader who asked:

What’s the average speaking rate? Is it better to speak faster or is it better to speak slower?

I continue to get this question from time to time, and my answer has gotten more nuanced over the years. Speaking slow or fast is fine. The two most important considerations are (1) Can your audience clearly understand you? and (2) Are you speaking at a rate which is authentic for you?

Everyone has a different natural cadence, and I wouldn’t advise changing it except in extreme circumstances. Find yours, and speak confidently.

Enjoy the full article, and share your insights about speaking rate:

• What is the Average Speaking Rate?