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Speak Clearly

Goal: speak at 120–160 words per minute in short, complete sentences.

Start drill 1: The 140 drill

Why it happens

Unclear speaking is rarely about pronunciation. Usually it is one of three things: speaking too fast because you are nervous, starting sentences you do not finish, or talking before you know what your point is.

All three get better with the same fix — slow down the first ten seconds and decide your point before you start explaining it.

Drills

  1. Drill 1

    The 140 drill

    Answer a one-minute question and aim for 130–150 words per minute. Check your WPM in the review, then retry the same question closer to the target.

    Quick Practice · 30s prep · 60s to speak · PREP

    Start this drill

  2. Drill 2

    One-sentence answer

    Answer an opinion question in a single sentence, pause, then expand. Forces you to know your point before you talk.

    Quick Practice · 15s prep · 60s to speak · PREP

    Start this drill

  3. Drill 3

    Explain it simply

    Explain a presentation topic as if to a twelve-year-old. No jargon, short sentences.

    Impromptu Speech · 30s prep · 120s to speak · 3 Points

    Start this drill

Tips

  • Pause at full stops. It feels long to you and sounds normal to listeners.
  • Shorter sentences are clearer sentences. If you hear yourself saying “and” three times, stop and start a new sentence.
  • End sentences with falling intonation. It sounds certain.

FAQ

What is a clear speaking pace?+

Roughly 120–160 words per minute for most conversations and talks. Speak Unprompted measures your WPM after each attempt.

How can I speak more clearly in English?+

Slow down slightly, use shorter sentences, and structure your answer with a simple framework like PREP. Clarity comes from structure as much as pronunciation.

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