Words per minute (WPM)

WPM is the simplest measure of speaking pace. Everyday conversation in American English runs at about 150 words per minute, according to the National Center for Voice and Speech. Speeches and presentations are usually delivered a little slower, around 130, which leaves room for pauses and for the audience to react.

The right pace depends on the room and the material: slow down for numbers, names and new ideas, and speed up a little for stories and lists. To find your own rate, read a passage out loud for a minute and count the words, or use the speaking rate test on this site.