How many slides for a 20-minute presentation?
A 20-minute presentation needs about 10 to 20 slides, at one to two minutes per slide.
At a glance
Slides for a 20-minute presentation by style
| Style | Time per slide | Slides |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | 1–2 min | 10–20 |
| Detailed | 2–3 min | 7–10 |
| Visual | 30–60 sec | 20–40 |
| 10/20/30 rule (pitches) | 2 min | 10 |
- 10–20 slides at a standard pace
- 2,600–3,000 words of speaking
- 10 slides for a pitch
Words are at a normal speaking pace of 130–150 words per minute. See the 20-minute speech guide for pages and a script outline.
Where it fits
What a 20-minute presentation is used for
- Investor pitches, the slot Guy Kawasaki's 10/20/30 rule was written for
- Conference talks and breakout sessions, often 15 minutes plus 5 for questions
- Job interview presentations for senior roles and panel interviews
- Class presentations, group projects and thesis or capstone defences
- Sales demos, client updates and quarterly reviews
Timed outline
How to structure a 20-minute presentation in 15 slides
A plan for 15 slides over 20 minutes, about 1:20 per slide on average.
- 0:00–1:00
Title and hook slide 1
Your title and the one message to remember. Open with a question, a number or a short story.
- 1:00–1:30
Agenda slide 2
Name your three points in one line each, so people know where the talk is going.
- 1:30–6:30
First point slides 3–6
Make the claim, back it with two charts or examples, then a slide on why it matters.
- 6:30–11:30
Second point slides 7–10
Start it by about 6:30. Open with a one-line recap so anyone who drifted can rejoin.
- 11:30–16:00
Third point slides 11–13
Start it by about 11:30. If rehearsal runs long, cut an example here first.
- 16:00–18:00
Summary and close slide 14
Start it by about 16:00. One slide with the three points and your ask or next step.
- 18:00–20:00
Questions slide 15
Start it by about 18:00. Leave a contact or next-step slide up. If questions have their own slot, give these minutes to your points.
Keep your 20-minute presentation on time from your phone
Copresent puts your Google Slides speaker notes, a timer and the slide controls on your phone, so you can see how long you have spent and move on when it's time. No second screen needed.
See how it worksOther lengths
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FAQ
How many slides for a 20-minute presentation?
A 20-minute presentation needs about 10 to 20 slides, at one to two minutes per slide. A detailed deck with dense charts or code needs fewer, about 7–10, and a visual deck of mostly images can use 20–40.
How long should each slide be in a 20-minute presentation?
About one to two minutes on average. With 15 slides, each one gets about 1:20. Title and section slides take a few seconds, so the slides with content get a little longer.
Does the 10/20/30 rule apply to a 20-minute presentation?
Only for a pitch. Guy Kawasaki's 10/20/30 rule says a pitch should have 10 slides, last 20 minutes and use text of at least 30 points. This is exactly the slot the rule was written for: 10 slides in 20 minutes, with text no smaller than 30 points.
How many words is a 20-minute presentation?
About 2,600 to 3,000 words at a normal speaking pace of 130–150 words per minute, which is roughly 130–300 words of speaking per slide.
Is 20 slides too many for a 20-minute presentation?
No, it is the top of the standard range: one slide a minute. That works when each slide carries one idea and little text. With dense charts, tables or code, aim for 7 to 10 so people have time to read them.
Is 30 slides too many for a 20-minute presentation?
Only if they have much text on them. Thirty slides gives each one 40 seconds, which works for a visual deck of photos, diagrams or one big number per slide. With bullet points or charts, keep to 10 to 20 slides.
How many slides for a 20-minute talk with questions?
Check whether questions are inside the slot. Many conferences give 15 minutes to speak and 5 for questions, and 15 minutes needs about 8 to 15 slides. If the full 20 minutes is yours, plan 10 to 20.
How many slides for a 20-minute job interview presentation?
About 12 to 15: a title slide, a one-line agenda, three or four slides for each of three points, and a closing slide on why you are the right fit. Panels often ask questions as you go, so rehearse to finish in 17 minutes.
How many slides for a 20-minute group presentation?
Split the time by speaker first. With four speakers, each gets 5 minutes and about 3 slides; add a shared title slide, an agenda and a closing slide for about 15 in total.