How many words are in a ten-minute speech?

Question

I'm writing a speech that's supposed to be ten minutes long. I think that's about 3-4 pages, but I wondered if there was a rule-of-thumb for so many words per minute...

Answer 1

On average, you should allow about 150 words per minute. You will of course time yourself once the speech is written. I would suggest that you mark the pauses on your script to ensure that you don't just blast by them in your rush to get your speech over with. Also remenber to modulate your voice (change the pitch of your voice). This helps to keep the attention of the audience.

One last bit of advice, speak to the back wall not to the front row.

Answer 2

It depends on how slow or fast you speak. Aside that point, 3-4 pages doesn't sound like a ten minute long speech.

Answer 3

It's based on your speaking speed. Rule of thumb for an average speaker is 120 wpm. A teenage daughter on the telephone would probably be about 250 wpm :-)

Answer 4

Just practice giving the speech while timing your self. If its over the time limit then shorten it up a bit. It all depends on how fast or slow you plan to talk.

Answer 5

a = 1
ten= 2
minute= 3
speech=4

there are 4 words in a ten minute speech

Answer 6

It depends on how fast you talk (or if you're from the South). I think one word a second is a good start but you should tape yourself and find out. Then you'll always know.

Answer 7

how fast do you talk? get a stop watch and time yourself. everyone speaks at different paces, and make sure that when your reading your speech you are doing so as if you were giving it.

Answer 8

it just depends how fast you can or want to talk . I suggest timing yourself.