How long is a 3,000 word speech? (about 18 to 27 minutes)
At an average pace of 140 words per minute, a 3,000 word speech takes about 21 minutes 26 seconds. Slow speakers at 110 words per minute need about 27 minutes 16 seconds, fast speakers at 170 words per minute get through it in about 17 minutes 39 seconds. Reading the same text silently takes roughly 12 minutes 30 seconds.
3,000 words at three paces
| Pace | Words/min | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Slow | 110 | 27 minutes 16 seconds |
| Average | 140 | 21 minutes 26 seconds |
| Fast | 170 | 17 minutes 39 seconds |
Reading silently: about 12 min 30 s at 240 words per minute
Check it against your own pace
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Speaking time at 140 words per minute
21 min 26 s
Reading silently: about 12 min 30 s at 240 words per minute
| Pace | Words/min | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Slow | 110 | 27 min 16 s |
| Average | 140 | 21 min 26 s |
| Fast | 170 | 17 min 39 s |
Pauses, slides, laughter and questions add time. Plan 10 to 20 % on top of this number.
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Tips for a 3,000 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 3,000 words
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