Re: What speed do you like presentations?

Speed, clarity and content need to be weighed carefully by speakers and will vary from audience to audience.

When the content is familiar, or easy to grasp, then greater speed can be used providing clarity is maintained.

When the content is new, or not so easily assimilated, then a slower pace is advisable with repeated points to give people time to take on board what is being said.

I would hope that lack of clarity is something speakers strive to avoid, but it does crop up occasionally. When that happens the rate of delivery must slow and opportunities made available for the puzzled audience to ask questions as the delivery proceeds.

One factor that will dominate speed, content and clarity is visual aids. These range from great slides to physical artifacts to hands-on demonstrations. Generally speaking, the better and more abundant the supporting material, the faster delivery can go.

It's probably uncomfortable Pam, but as the organizer you are heavily reliant on the speaker being sensitive to the audience and making any adjustments that are required on the fly. Some will be better than others at this.

Jim's delivery was rich in content and was well received. Another speaker may have delivered less material, but with more humour and some great, colourful illustrations. Because the mix and manner were not the same that speaker may have been rated equally with Jim, although for different reasons.

At the risk of being hugely unhelpful - I like my presentations to be delivered at the appropriate speed, given all the circumstances.

Does that help?

Thought not.