Public Speaking Dymamics: Vary Your Tempo

Tempo is speed, and it’s an important element of dynamic speaking.

On a basic level, be aware of whether you’re speaking too fast, especially if you have non-native English speakers in your audience.

We speed up our speaking when we get nervous or angry.

I’m fed up with all this public speaking nonsense! Do I really need to explore all these skills to be an effective communicator?

Next time you find yourself in an argument, try slowing down. If other people can’t get you to raise your speed, pitch, and volume, they may find you’re no fun to argue with. Let them go fight with someone else.

(gently and slowly) Let’s hit the reset button. Just tell me what’s on your mind without the pyrotechnics and I’ll be happy to listen and respond.

When you share nervous or angry moments in your speech, speed up to let your audience feel the intensity of your emotions.

Slow down to de-escalate conflict or distinguish your narrator’s voice from your freaking-out-inside-the-story voice.

(fast) Well, that’s about enough of this video for today! I’m done!

(narrator) And that wraps up today’s session. See you soon!