I feel conflicted about this. I find that the best speakers live are dynamic in their speaking rate: sometimes slow, sometimes rapid-fire. It really helps with

I feel conflicted about this. I find that the best speakers live are dynamic in their speaking rate: sometimes slow, sometimes rapid-fire. It really helps with the pacing of a talk, and there's something about being transfixed in person and giving over a block of your life to the speaker. It feels sacred, even if it's a mediocre talk. However, when watching or listening to recorded talks, I prefer a consistent speaking rate so I can choose an optimal speed.