Research shows that most people speak at a rate of 135 to 150 words per
minute and hear and process about 400 words per minute.
While it may be tempting to speak fast and get the presentation over with,
most audiences do not listen that actively. When in doubt, slow down.
A good rule of thumb is to speak about half as fast as you are thinking. Jack
Nicholson has made an entire career out of speaking slowly, so it can't be all
that bad an idea.
Volume will depend on the venue, but a good rule to follow is to speak as if
the guy in the back row is trying to hear you. It may sound like you are
shouting, but it will not sound that way to your audience.
Microphones are a tool not a crutch. If you are mumbling, the microphone will
not transform your oratory into something worthy of Martin Luther King. It will
merely amplify your mumbles and frustrate your audience.
When It's Over
Although it may seem like your speech will last forever, it will be over
before you know it.
When you are done, do not fish for compliments from the audience. Ironically,
the more people who compliment you, who are not your spouse or parent, the worse
you probably did.
Novice speakers need encouragement to try again. Professionals do not.
If no one compliments you, consider that the best compliment of all.