How long is a 1,000 word speech? (about 6 to 9 minutes)
At an average pace of 140 words per minute, a 1,000 word speech takes about 7 minutes 9 seconds. Slow speakers at 110 words per minute need about 9 minutes 5 seconds, fast speakers at 170 words per minute get through it in about 5 minutes 53 seconds. Reading the same text silently takes roughly 4 minutes 10 seconds.
1,000 words at three paces
| Pace | Words/min | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Slow | 110 | 9 minutes 5 seconds |
| Average | 140 | 7 minutes 9 seconds |
| Fast | 170 | 5 minutes 53 seconds |
Reading silently: about 4 min 10 s at 240 words per minute
Check it against your own pace
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Speaking time at 140 words per minute
7 min 9 s
Reading silently: about 4 min 10 s at 240 words per minute
| Pace | Words/min | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Slow | 110 | 9 min 5 s |
| Average | 140 | 7 min 9 s |
| Fast | 170 | 5 min 53 s |
Pauses, slides, laughter and questions add time. Plan 10 to 20 % on top of this number.
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Tips for a 1,000 word speech
This is a short talk, a wedding speech or one section of a presentation: three to seven minutes. Structure it in three parts and make the transitions obvious to the audience. Rehearse out loud with a stopwatch at least three times; if you land more than 10 % over, cut a paragraph rather than speaking faster.
Questions about 1,000 words
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