Fluency Is Not Speed: Master Pace, Tone, and Intonation
Fluent English Pro
Outro
David closes the episode, thanks Maria, and shares contact info and where to find Fluent English Pro resources.
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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@fluentenglish.pro (IG) https://www.instagram.com/fluentenglish.pro/
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