Question 1

How many words is a 5 minute speech?

Accepted Answer

At a steady 130 words per minute, a 5 minute speech is about 650 words. If you speak a little quicker, closer to 150 words per minute, it is nearer 750. Leave a bit of room either way, because pauses for emphasis add time on the day.

Question 2

How long does it take to say 1,000 words?

Accepted Answer

About 7 and a half minutes at a steady 130 words per minute. At a brisk 170 words per minute it is closer to 6 minutes, and at a slow 110 it runs past 9. The calculator on this page gives you the exact figure for the pace you pick.

Question 3

Should my talk run shorter than the slot?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Aim to fill about 90 percent of the time you are given. Live delivery almost always runs longer than the page count, because you pause, take questions, and slow down for the parts that matter. A talk that fits exactly on paper tends to overrun on the day.

Question 4

What pace do these numbers use?

Accepted Answer

The table uses a steady 130 words per minute, a comfortable pace for a prepared talk. You can switch the calculator to 110, 150, or 170 words per minute to match how you actually speak.

1 minute	about 130 words
2 minutes	about 260 words
5 minutes	about 650 words
10 minutes	about 1,300 words
15 minutes	about 1,950 words
20 minutes	about 2,600 words
30 minutes	about 3,900 words

Words to minutes

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