What is word per minute and what is its importance?

The speed at which you deliver your speech plays a great role in defining its impacts. It influences the way your audience perceives your words. You are a great public speaker if you know how to alter your speaking speed in different situations to amplify the effect of your words.

WHAT IS WORDS PER MINUTE (WPM)?

There is a standard quantity to measure this speed of speaking, reading, or typing. It is known as words per minute (wpm).To be more precise, Words per minute or wpm is a measure of words processed in a minute. There is no ideal speed that can fit in all situations. Many factors affect your speaking rate - audience, content, purpose, and many others.

SPEECH RATE ACCORDING TO WPMs

You cannot know if you are speaking too fast or too slow unless you know the standard speech rates. Speech rate is the speed at which you speak, and its unit is words per minute.

According to the standard speech rates:

• Slow: 110 wpm or less
• Conversational: 120 wpm - 150 wpm.
• Fast: 160 wpm or more

HOW TO CALCULATE YOUR WPM?

The best way to keep a check on your pace is by calculating the word per minute. There are many ways to calculate wpm. The simplest one is -

Step 1- Keep a word count of your speech

Step 2 - Record yourself while speaking it.

Step 3 - Speaking Rate (wpm) = Total words / Number of minutes

This method will get you your wpm. Now, you can choose a pace that helps you in fulfilling the purpose of your speech.

WHY IS IT IMPORTANT?

A track of Words per minute helps you keep a check on your speed. You will be able to work on your speed only when you are aware of it. Communication ends only when the speaker's message is successfully received and understood by the listener, and speed plays an important role in making that happen.

If you are a beginner, you are more prone to speaking fast because you might be nervous and under pressure. It does not leave the audience with enough time to absorb your words thus, leading to confusion. At the same time, if you speak too slow, I'm afraid you'll only have sleepy heads for your audience. I'm sure you wouldn't want any of the two cases to happen. Therefore, you should be able to police your speed according to the situation.

Also, do not stress yourself too much in trying to master this art of pacing in one day. It comes with years and years of experience and with practice. However, when you find yourself in different and challenging situations, you will eventually learn to use your speed as a tool to create impact.

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