How Many Words Is a 5-Minute Speech? (Word Count Guide)
Assigned a 5-minute speech and staring at a blank page? The first thing you need is a word target. Here's how many words a 5-minute speech really is — and how to hit your time.
The quick answer
Most people speak at 130–150 words per minute, so a 5-minute speech is roughly 650–750 words. Nervous, faster speakers land nearer 750; slow, deliberate speakers nearer 600. Aim for about 700 and adjust after a practice run.
Check your draft as you write
Track your word count live with the word counter, and estimate speaking time with the reading time calculator, which shows both reading and speaking time.
Words per minute by pace
Slow/formal ≈ 110 wpm, conversational ≈ 130–150 wpm, fast ≈ 160+ wpm. If you know you rush when nervous, write to the lower word count so you don't run over.
Time it, don't guess
Read your draft aloud at your real speaking pace and time it. Almost everyone speaks faster in front of an audience than alone, so if your practice run is exactly 5 minutes, trim a little — nerves will speed you up on the day.
Other lengths
Rough targets: 1 min ≈ 140 words, 3 min ≈ 420, 5 min ≈ 700, 10 min ≈ 1,400. Wondering how many pages that is? See the words to pages converter.