How fast do humans talk?

Answer 1

Of course this will vary by language, even by dialect and local culture. But here some reaonsable estimates for English

For ordinary speech:
* books on tape - 150-175 words per minute ("wpm")
* conversations - about 200 wpm

Limits!
* adults can listen with full comprehension at 300 wpm [some say up to 400 wpm!]
* but even auctioneers can only speak at about 250 wpm!
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Words_per_minute#Speech


As for FORMAL speaking:
- most suggest something close to 150 wpm is reasonable
http://www.dartmouth.edu/~speech/contestinfo.html
http://www.teachnet.com/lesson/langarts/speaking/persuasivespeech.html

Good public speakers in the age before sound systems would speak a bit slower than speakers do today, making it easier for their hearers to follow them. Thus it is estimated that Lincoln delivered his speeches at about 105-110 wpm. . . which means the Gettysburg Address STILL lasted only about 2½ minutes!
(according to *The Eloquent President* by Ronald C. White [2005], xxii )

Answer 2

everyone talks at different speeds so im unsure that can be clocked
have a great day

Answer 3

Too many variables to quantify.

Answer 4

Faster than they think, most of the time...