Why "speak slowly" is the wrong advice...

So it's the age old public speaking tip "speak slowly and clearly" - of course we want to speak clearly but do we always want to speak slowly?

Well - obviously there are moments where we want to speak slowly but if we speak at the same slow speed for the whole speech/pitch/presentation, we will start to lose people's attention (in exactly the same way we would if we spoke in a monotone the whole time).

So we need to work through our speech with speed in mind -

Where do we want to speak slower? - where are the sections that really need the audience to hear every. single. word. Which sections are complicated and therefore will require time for the audience to absorb and understand it. Where is the most important fact, sentence or point? Pick out moments where you're going to use a slower pace (for one of the above reasons, or for your own).

Where do we want to speak faster? - which sections are subordinate clauses? Which sections are additional information that is there for extra interest but really isn't critical. Which sections do you kind of have to say but actually you know aren't that interesting? I was working with a client a few weeks ago and we decided to use faster speech in one particular sentence of her speech to prevent people asking questions in an awkward and inappropriate place! Pick out the moments you think could do with going faster - use speed to shape and create the effect and response you want.

Where do we want to use a dynamic speed - might a build or a slowing in speech help us to create impact? If you are building to your pinacle of the speech, perhaps we could start slow, build to a faster pace, and then slow as we reach the most important point? Could you use a building speed to create excitement and energy in the room?

Carefully go through your speech. Craft the experience you want your audience to have. Practice it until you can feel the journey you're taking them on.

Try it out and let me know how you get on!

If you're keen to learn more, why not follow me on instagram @stepupvocalcoaching for more free tips & tricks. Or if you're ready to transform your public speaking skills, you can book a free no-pressure discovery call to get to know each other and find out how I can help.

Lydia is the Founder & Lead Coach at Step Up Vocal Coaching. She is passionate about helping people speak with confidence, personality and impact.