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Tips & Tricks

Speed Kills (Monotony): Mastering Pace with SSML Speed Tags

Praney BehlPraney Behl
December 4, 2025
11 min read

TLDR:Use <speed rate='slow'> for emphasis and <speed rate='fast'> for energy. Never stay at one pace for more than a paragraph.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I speed up or slow down for important information?

Slow down. The brain needs time to process key concepts. Save fast pacing for context, transitions, or building excitement.

How much speed variation is too much?

If listeners notice the speed changing, it's probably too much. Aim for subtle 15-30% variations that feel natural, not jarring.

SsmlTipsPacingProsody
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Praney Behl

Written by

Praney Behl

Founder

Creator of Vois, passionate about making voice production accessible to everyone.