Pace makes the difference
Speech is much slower than reading. Most presenters speak at 130–160 words per minute; audiobook narrators often sit around 150–160; a nervous speaker can easily hit 180. Slower is usually better for a live audience, especially with complex material, a large room or listeners working in a second language.
Choose the pace that fits the occasion. The Pause per paragraph setting adds a breath between sections (a second or two is typical, more if you are changing slides).
Planning to a time slot
Enter a Target length to see how many words fit. The table gives quick references at three paces: a 5-minute talk is roughly 600–800 words, a 10-minute talk about 1,200–1,600, and a 20-minute keynote 2,400–3,200.
Scripts for video and podcasts benefit from the same arithmetic. If you are recording to a hard limit (a 60-second ad, a 3-minute pitch), aim about 10% under: real delivery always picks up pauses you did not plan.
Rehearse
The calculator is a planning tool. Read your script aloud with a timer at least once (your own natural pace is the only number that really matters, and you can enter it as a custom speed).
Worked example
Here is what the Speaking Time Calculator returns for its built-in example. Settings used: Speaking pace: Presentation (140 wpm). Click Try an example in the tool above to load it, then change it as you like.
Good writing is rewriting. The first draft gets the ideas onto the page; the second makes them clear; the third makes them sing.
Most readers skim before they commit. Short paragraphs, specific verbs and a clear opening sentence give them a reason to stay. Long, winding sentences that bury the point in the middle make them leave.
So count your words, but count what they do, too.| Result | Value |
|---|---|
| Speaking time | 31 sec |
| Words | 67 |
| Pace | 140 wpm |
| Words for 5 min | 695 |
Questions
How long is a 1,000-word speech?
About 7 minutes at a presentation pace of 140 words per minute, 8 minutes 20 seconds at 120 wpm, or just over 6 minutes at 160 wpm.
How many words is a 5-minute speech?
Roughly 600 to 800 words, depending on pace. At 140 wpm it is 700 words.
What speaking rate should I use for a presentation?
Around 130–150 words per minute is comfortable for most audiences. Go slower for technical content or large venues.
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