How Many Words Is a 1, 3, 5 or 10-Minute Speech?
A 5-minute speech is about 650–700 words. Word counts for every common speech length, from a 30-second pitch to an 18-minute talk, plus tips to stay on time.
A 5-minute speech is about 650 to 700 words at a comfortable pace. Depending on how fast you speak, the right answer ranges from 550 to 800 words. Here is how to size your script precisely for every situation, from an elevator pitch to a conference talk.
The formula
Words = duration (minutes) × speaking rate (words per minute)
The average presentation pace is about 132 words per minute (see our speaking-rate guide for why). With that number:
| Duration | Words (≈ 132 wpm) | Range by pace |
|---|---|---|
| 30 seconds | 65 words | 55–80 |
| 1 minute | 130 words | 110–160 |
| 2 minutes | 265 words | 220–320 |
| 3 minutes | 400 words | 330–480 |
| 5 minutes | 660 words | 550–800 |
| 7 minutes | 925 words | 770–1,120 |
| 10 minutes | 1,320 words | 1,100–1,600 |
| 15 minutes | 1,980 words | 1,650–2,400 |
| 20 minutes | 2,640 words | 2,200–3,200 |
For reference, a single-spaced typed page holds roughly 500 words, so a 5-minute speech is a little over one page.
Common formats and how many words to write
Elevator pitch (30–60 seconds)
70–130 words. One sentence for the problem, one for your solution, one for proof, one for the ask. Every word has to earn its place.
“Tell me about yourself” (1–2 minutes)
130–260 words. Prepare a structure and a few key lines rather than memorizing word for word.
Three Minute Thesis and other 3-minute talks
The Three Minute Thesis (3MT®) competition allows exactly three minutes and one slide. Plan 350–400 words at most, pauses included.
Wedding toast or best-man speech (3–5 minutes)
400–650 words. Beyond five minutes, guests drift. Leave room for laughter and applause: if you are given five minutes, write for four.
10-minute presentation
About 1,200–1,300 words. Keep at least a minute of slack for slide transitions.
18-minute conference talk
TED talks are capped at 18 minutes — roughly 2,300–2,500 words. The best speakers rehearse dozens of times to hit that format.
Why your speech will run longer than planned
Word count gives an estimate, but three things almost always stretch the real duration:
- Deliberate pauses — silence after a question, a breath before the conclusion.
- Audience reactions — laughter, applause, interruptions.
- Hard-to-say items — numbers, dates, acronyms and names. “2026” is four characters on the page but “twenty twenty-six” out loud.
That is why we recommend aiming for 90 % of your time slot. For five minutes, write a 4:30 script — about 600 words at 132 wpm.
Too long? How to cut without losing the point
- Drop the warm-up. “Before I begin, I’d just like to say…” — cut it and start.
- Keep one example per idea, the strongest one.
- Shorten long sentences. Our text analyzer counts sentences over 25 words — they are the first to go.
- Hunt repetitions. The Repetitions tab finds words used twice within a few words of each other.
In the Final Take app this step is assisted: after each rehearsal it shows your time gap to the target and suggests precise cuts to bring you back on time.
Check your script in 10 seconds
Paste your speech into the free word counter to get the word count, the estimated speaking time (adjustable from 80 to 220 wpm) and the longest sentences to rework. Then do the only check that really counts: say it out loud with a timer.