Find a speaking pace that sounds like you
Measure your pace instead of chasing a universal average.
What does WPM mean?
Speaking words per minute is the number of spoken words divided by elapsed minutes. Read 120 counted words in one minute and your sample pace is 120 WPM. Read them in 90 seconds and it is 80 WPM. Ordinary pauses are part of that delivery.
Measure a complete passage
Choose a passage in the language and style of your upcoming talk. Start the timer, read naturally, and stop after the final word. Confirm that you read the entire passage before applying the result. Longer samples are more stable than a sentence or two; repeat the measurement when your material changes.
Keep units consistent
A Chinese character-based sample produces characters per minute, not English words per minute. Save a pace for the same language and counting method. A single rate cannot reliably transfer between every language or delivery style.
Avoid double-counting pauses
Your measured pace already includes ordinary breathing and emphasis. Add extra time only for separate holds, such as a demonstration or audience questions.