Find Your Groove: Mastering the Rhythm of Public Speaking
What do legendary speeches, captivating stories, and unforgettable performances have in common?
Rhythm. It’s the secret sauce that turns spoken words into a magnetic experience.
Rhythm is more than just how fast or slow you speak—it’s the cadence, the drumbeat, the “non-voice” moments of silence that give your words power and personality. Like the rhythm of a favorite song, it resonates deeply with your audience, influencing their emotions and holding their attention.
In this edition of the newsletter, we’re diving into the rhythm of public speaking. Discover how mastering your pace, embracing intentional pauses, refining your fluidity, and sharpening your articulation can elevate your delivery.
While rhythm encompasses all four elements—pace, pauses, fluidity, and articulation—this issue will focus on pace. Stay tuned for our next edition, where we’ll explore the power of pauses.
Ready to amplify your impact and find your speaking groove?
For more insights on speech rhythm and pace, let’s dive in👇
Watch our Masterclass on Pace
Tips to Practice Pace
Tip #1
Record and Analyze Your Speed
Use the Rhetorich Free Trial to capture yourself speaking.
Aim for a pace of 140–160 words per minute (wpm), which is ideal for storytelling and most professional presentations. Adjust as needed to stay within the comfortable range.
Tip #2
Practice Controlled Variability
Experiment with speeding up during energetic or exciting sections and slowing down during key points to emphasize their importance.
Choose a paragraph from a speech or story, identify parts to speed up or slow down, and rehearse delivering them with varied pace.
Tip #3
Mimic Great Speakers
Watch videos of speakers like John F. Kennedy, Tony Robbins, or your favorite TED Talk presenters.
Note how they adjust their pace to suit their message, and try to replicate their rhythm and speed in your practice sessions.