Fluency Is Not Speed: Master Pace, Tone, and Intonation
Fluent English Pro
Using tone and intonation to add meaning
David asks about tone and intonation; Maria distinguishes tone vs. intonation and demonstrates emphasis and emotion techniques.
Stop worrying that fast talking equals English fluency. Public speaking expert Maria Rincon shows non-native professionals how to leverage pace, tone, and intonation for powerful, confident communication. Learn strategies for overcoming anxiety and tapping into your core confidence for business success.
Meet Our Guest:
Maria Rincon, former UN consultant and 2025 TEDx speaker, coaches non-native English speakers in clarity and confidence. "Nervousness actually means that I care about what I'm doing”.
Top Takeaways
- Takeaway 1 Fluency relies on pace, tone, and intonation, not how fast you speak.
- Takeaway 2 Find the "sweet spot" pace—too fast suggests nervousness, too slow risks boring the audience.
- Takeaway 3 Boost confidence and reduce pressure by connecting with your playful, vulnerable "inner child".
Vocabulary Corner
Term | Meaning + Example sentence
Pacing | Meaning: The rate or rhythm at which you speak.
Example: A moderate pacing helps your audience absorb your important business message.
Intonation | Meaning: The rise and fall of your voice pitch across a full sentence.
Example: Varying your intonation stops your presentation from sounding flat or monotone.
Tone | Meaning: The emotional quality or specific emphasis given to a particular word.
Example: The tone of the email suggested that the client was very excited about the proposal.
Foreign Language Anxiety | Meaning: Stress or fear experienced when speaking a non-native language, often related to making mistakes or judgment.
Example: Using affirmation banks can help professionals battle foreign language anxiety before a big meeting.
Overachiever | Meaning: A person who performs better or achieves more success than expected.
Example: Her drive to be an overachiever resulted in great academic success and a prestigious career.
Helpful Links & Tools
- Maria Rincon's Website: www.publicspeakingwithmaria.com
- Maria C. Rincon on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com
Become a Member! This is the place for you to boost your English skills and career growth with a supportive community — without the limitations of a packed schedule. Join our membership community here:
https://fluentenglishpro.com/members/
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