How long is a 500 word speech? (about 3 to 5 minutes)
At an average pace of 140 words per minute, a 500 word speech takes about 3 minutes 34 seconds. Slow speakers at 110 words per minute need about 4 minutes 33 seconds, fast speakers at 170 words per minute get through it in about 2 minutes 56 seconds. Reading the same text silently takes roughly 2 minutes 5 seconds.
500 words at three paces
| Pace | Words/min | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Slow | 110 | 4 minutes 33 seconds |
| Average | 140 | 3 minutes 34 seconds |
| Fast | 170 | 2 minutes 56 seconds |
Reading silently: about 2 min 5 s at 240 words per minute
Check it against your own pace
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Speaking time at 140 words per minute
3 min 34 s
Reading silently: about 2 min 5 s at 240 words per minute
| Pace | Words/min | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Slow | 110 | 4 min 33 s |
| Average | 140 | 3 min 34 s |
| Fast | 170 | 2 min 56 s |
Pauses, slides, laughter and questions add time. Plan 10 to 20 % on top of this number.
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Tips for a 500 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 500 words
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