How to Pace Yourself for Impact in Presentations

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Introduction: How Slowing Down Makes You a More Impressive Speaker

This video explains why many presenters speak too quickly and how simple changes — shorter sentences, clearer pauses and calmer pacing — can make you sound far more confident. You’ll learn why nerves often speed you up and how adopting a delivery style closer to leaders like Barack Obama can lift your presence instantly.

What you’ll learn: Slowing Down for Stronger, More Confident Delivery

• Why most speakers talk too fast
• How nerves affect your pace and clarity
• How shorter sentences help you sound more controlled
• Why deliberate pauses make you more engaging
• How slowing down improves authority and audience trust
• What you can learn from calm, measured communicators

Summary: Slow Down, Use Pauses and Speak with Greater Impact

One of the most common issues we help people fix is pace. Many speakers talk too quickly, often because nerves take over. When you slow down, shorten your sentences and allow pauses to breathe, everything changes. You sound clearer, more authoritative and much easier to follow. Audiences trust speakers who take their time, and a calm, deliberate pace gives your message far more weight. Think of Obama: measured, steady and intentional. That speaking style lifts your presence and helps you come across as confident and controlled.

Mini FAQ: Improving Pace and Presence

Why do I talk too fast when presenting?
Nerves and adrenaline often speed people up without them noticing.

How do pauses help?
Pauses give your audience time to absorb your message and make you sound more confident.

Should I shorten my sentences?
Yes. Shorter sentences are easier to deliver and clearer to follow.

Is speaking slowly always better?
Not slow — measured. Aim for calm, steady and deliberate, not sluggish.

Transcript (edited)

With the work we do at Benjamin Ball Associates, one of the biggest things we help people with is slowing down. Most people talk too fast, often because of nerves. We slow them down, shorten their sentences and lengthen their pauses. Think of Obama — that measured style makes you far more impressive.

Suggested Links

• Improve your delivery with better pacing
• Use pauses to strengthen your message
• Speak with clarity and authority
• Reduce nerves and control your presentation pace

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