Steady Pace, Slower on Key Points
Speak at a steady, unhurried pace and slow down for the main point, numbers and names.
Studies find a moderately quick pace can seem competent, so slower is not always better; the case for slowing down is mainly clarity for key details.
Why it works
Nervous speakers rush, and listeners miss the numbers and names that matter. Some speed sounds energetic and sure. Slowing on the key line marks it as important.
How to do it
- Mark the two or three lines that must land.
- Say those at half your normal speed.
- Speak the rest at a natural, lively pace.
- Slow down even more on the phone and in a second language.
What to say
Our fee [slow] is eight point three three percent [slow] of annual CTC.
The shortlist will reach you on [slow] Monday the fourth.
Avoid
Speaking slowly all the time. It sounds sleepy or patronising.
Example
Harish ran through his fee too fast in a call with a Coimbatore textile client, who later asked for the number three times. Next time he slowed for the fee and the dates only.
Practise it
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