Speech Word Count — Complete Reference Table
How many words you need for every common speech length at slow (120 WPM), normal (130 WPM), and fast (150 WPM) speaking pace:
| Speech Length |
Slow (120 WPM) |
Normal (130 WPM) |
Fast (150 WPM) |
| 1 minute | ~120 words | ~130 words | ~150 words |
| 2 minutes | ~240 words | ~260 words | ~300 words |
| 3 minutes | ~360 words | ~390 words | ~450 words |
| 4 minutes | ~480 words | ~520 words | ~600 words |
| 5 minutes | ~600 words | ~650 words | ~750 words |
| 7 minutes | ~840 words | ~910 words | ~1,050 words |
| 10 minutes | ~1,200 words | ~1,300 words | ~1,500 words |
| 15 minutes | ~1,800 words | ~1,950 words | ~2,250 words |
| 18 minutes (TED) | ~2,160 words | ~2,340 words | ~2,934 words |
| 20 minutes | ~2,400 words | ~2,600 words | ~3,000 words |
| 30 minutes | ~3,600 words | ~3,900 words | ~4,500 words |
| 45 minutes | ~5,400 words | ~5,850 words | ~6,750 words |
| 60 minutes | ~7,200 words | ~7,800 words | ~9,000 words |
Speech Length Guide — Words and Time
Use this reference table to plan your speech. Based on normal speaking pace of 130 WPM — the most common speed for formal speeches and presentations.
| Speech Length | Slow (120 WPM) | Normal (130 WPM) | Fast (150 WPM) |
|---|
| 1 minute | 120 words | 130 words | 150 words |
| 3 minutes | 360 words | 390 words | 450 words |
| 5 minutes | 600 words | 650 words | 750 words |
| 7 minutes | 840 words | 910 words | 1,050 words |
| 10 minutes | 1,200 words | 1,300 words | 1,500 words |
| 15 minutes | 1,800 words | 1,950 words | 2,250 words |
| 18 min (TED) | 2,160 words | 2,340 words | 2,700 words |
| 20 minutes | 2,400 words | 2,600 words | 3,000 words |
| 30 minutes | 3,600 words | 3,900 words | 4,500 words |
🎤 Speech timing by context
TED Talks: 18 min max · Wedding speeches: 3–5 min · Toastmasters: 5–7 min · Business presentations: 10–20 min · Classroom: 5–10 min · Debate: 3–8 min per speaker
How to Use the Speech Timer
Option 1 — Countdown Timer (live practice)
Select your target speech length, press Start, and begin speaking. The timer counts down and turns yellow at 20% remaining and red at 10% — giving you visual warnings to wrap up without cutting your conclusion short.
Option 2 — Script Calculator (plan before you practice)
Paste your written speech script into the Script Calculator tab. Select your speaking pace — slow for formal speeches, normal for most presentations, fast for conversational delivery. Your exact speaking time appears instantly so you can edit your script before rehearsing.
💡 Pro tip: Always write 10–15% fewer words than your target allows. Nerves make most speakers faster, pauses for audience reaction add time, and emphasis on key points slows delivery. A script timed at 4:30 will usually run exactly 5 minutes when delivered live.
Speech Timer by Context
TED and TEDx Talks
TED's 18-minute rule exists because it is long enough to develop a big idea but short enough to maintain full audience attention. At normal speaking pace, an 18-minute TED Talk contains approximately 2,340 words.
Toastmasters Speeches
Toastmasters uses strict timing with green, yellow, and red signal lights. The Ice Breaker speech is 4–6 minutes. Most speeches fall in the 5–7 minute range. Going significantly over or under time affects your evaluation score.
Wedding and Event Speeches
Wedding speeches perform best at 3–5 minutes. A 4-minute wedding speech at normal pace is approximately 520 words — enough for a memorable story, a personal tribute, and a heartfelt close.
Business Presentations
The classic investor pitch is 10–12 minutes. Internal business presentations typically run 15–20 minutes. Always leave 10–15 minutes for Q&A in formal settings — don't let your speech run into Q&A time.
Debate Speeches
Debate formats vary widely — from 3-minute parliamentary speeches to 8-minute Lincoln-Douglas speeches. Running over time in competitive debate typically results in automatic point deductions.
🎬
Recording your speech on camera?
Read your script hands-free with Teleprompter.com
No more forgetting lines or looking off-camera while recording.
Try Free →
Frequently Asked Questions
How many words is a 5 minute speech?
A 5 minute speech is approximately 600–650 words at normal speaking pace (130 WPM). At slower formal pace (120 WPM) around 600 words, and at faster conversational pace (150 WPM) around 750 words.
How many words is a 3 minute speech?
A 3 minute speech is approximately 360–390 words at normal speaking pace (130 WPM). At slower pace (120 WPM) around 360 words, and at faster pace (150 WPM) around 450 words.
How many words is a 10 minute speech?
A 10 minute speech is approximately 1,200–1,300 words at normal speaking pace (130 WPM). At slower educational pace (120 WPM) around 1,200 words, and at faster pace (150 WPM) around 1,500 words.
How many words is a 2 minute speech?
A 2 minute speech is approximately 240–260 words at normal speaking pace (130 WPM). At slower pace (120 WPM) around 240 words, and at faster pace (150 WPM) around 300 words.
How many words is a 7 minute speech?
A 7 minute speech is approximately 840–910 words at normal speaking pace (130 WPM). At slower pace (120 WPM) around 840 words, and at faster pace (150 WPM) around 1,050 words.
How many words is a 1 minute speech?
A 1 minute speech is approximately 120–130 words at normal speaking pace (130 WPM). Write to around 110–120 words to leave a small buffer for natural pauses and emphasis.
How many words is a 15 minute speech?
A 15 minute speech is approximately 1,800–1,950 words at normal speaking pace (130 WPM). At slower pace (120 WPM) around 1,800 words, and at faster pace (150 WPM) around 2,250 words.
How many words is a 20 minute speech?
A 20 minute speech is approximately 2,400–2,600 words at normal speaking pace (130 WPM). TED Talk speakers average 163 WPM, so a 20-minute TED Talk contains around 3,260 words.
How long should a speech be?
TED Talks: 18 minutes maximum. Wedding speeches: 3–5 minutes. Toastmasters: 5–7 minutes. Business presentations: 10–20 minutes. Elevator pitches: 60 seconds. The best length is exactly as long as your content needs — never pad to fill time.
What is the ideal speaking speed for a speech?
The ideal speaking speed for most speeches is 120–140 WPM. This pace is clear, allows for natural pauses, and gives the audience time to absorb key points. Under 100 WPM feels too slow. Above 160 WPM can be hard to follow in a live setting.
How do I calculate how long my speech will be?
Divide your word count by your speaking speed in WPM. Example: 650 words ÷ 130 WPM = 5 minutes. Or use the Script Calculator tab above — paste your speech and get an instant result at slow, normal, or fast pace.
How many words is a 30 second speech?
A 30 second speech is approximately 60–65 words at normal speaking pace (130 WPM). This is the typical length of an elevator pitch introduction or a quick social media video script.
More Free Tools