How long is a 2,500 word speech? (about 15 to 23 minutes)
At an average pace of 140 words per minute, a 2,500 word speech takes about 17 minutes 51 seconds. Slow speakers at 110 words per minute need about 22 minutes 44 seconds, fast speakers at 170 words per minute get through it in about 14 minutes 42 seconds. Reading the same text silently takes roughly 10 minutes 25 seconds.
2,500 words at three paces
| Pace | Words/min | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Slow | 110 | 22 minutes 44 seconds |
| Average | 140 | 17 minutes 51 seconds |
| Fast | 170 | 14 minutes 42 seconds |
Reading silently: about 10 min 25 s at 240 words per minute
Check it against your own pace
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Speaking time at 140 words per minute
17 min 51 s
Reading silently: about 10 min 25 s at 240 words per minute
| Pace | Words/min | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Slow | 110 | 22 min 44 s |
| Average | 140 | 17 min 51 s |
| Fast | 170 | 14 min 42 s |
Pauses, slides, laughter and questions add time. Plan 10 to 20 % on top of this number.
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Tips for a 2,500 word speech
This is a keynote, a lecture or a conference talk: roughly ten to twenty minutes. Attention drops after ten minutes, so plan a change of pace every five: a story, a question, a slide that shows instead of tells. Mark your pauses in the script, budget 15 % of the slot for them and rehearse the full run at least twice.
Questions about 2,500 words
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