How many words is a 10-minute speech?
A 10-minute speech is about 1,300 to 1,500 words at a normal speaking pace of 130–150 words per minute.
At a glance
Words in a 10-minute speech at each pace
| Pace | Words per minute | Words |
|---|---|---|
| Slow | 110 | 1,100 |
| Average | 130 | 1,300 |
| Fast | 160 | 1,600 |
- 2.6–3 pages single-spaced
- 5.2–6 pages double-spaced
- 5–10 slides
Pages assume about 500 typed words single-spaced or 250 double-spaced. Slides assume one to two minutes on each; see how many slides for a 10-minute presentation for other styles and a slide-by-slide outline.
Where it fits
What a 10-minute speech is used for
- Class and group presentations, seminars and research updates
- Second-round job interview presentations, often 10 minutes plus questions
- Thesis proposals, project reviews and conference talks before Q&A
- Investor pitches, sales demos and internal business cases
- Keynote-style talks at meetups, devotionals and short sermons
Timed outline
How to structure a 10-minute speech
A plan for about 10 minutes of speaking. Word counts are at an average 130 words per minute.
- 0:00–1:00
Opening and roadmap about 130 words
A hook, your main message, then a one-line preview of your three points so people know where you are going.
- 1:00–3:30
First point about 325 words
Your strongest point, with evidence and one story or example. You have time for detail, but keep it to one idea.
- 3:30–6:00
Second point about 325 words
Start it by about 3:30. Link it back to the main message so the talk doesn't feel like three separate speeches.
- 6:00–8:30
Third point about 325 words
Start it by about 6:00. If rehearsal runs long, trim this point rather than the close.
- 8:30–10:00
Close about 195 words
Recap the three points, repeat the main message and end on one clear ask or takeaway. Start it by 8:30.
Rehearse your 10-minute speech with notes and a timer on your phone
Practise it the way you will give it. Copresent puts your Google Slides speaker notes, a timer and the slide controls on your phone. No second screen needed.
See how it worksOther lengths
Planning a different length?
FAQ
How many words is a 10-minute speech?
A 10-minute speech is about 1,300 to 1,500 words at a normal speaking pace of 130–150 words per minute. A slow speaker at 110 WPM says about 1,100 words, and a fast one at 160 WPM about 1,600.
How many pages is a 10-minute speech?
About 2.6–3 pages single-spaced or 5.2–6 pages double-spaced, assuming a typed page of about 500 words single-spaced or 250 double-spaced.
How many slides for a 10-minute presentation?
Plan on 5 to 10 slides. Most presenters spend one to two minutes on each slide; at an average 130 WPM this talk runs about 10 minutes.
Is 1,000 words enough for a 10-minute speech?
No, it is short. 1,000 words takes only about 6 minutes 40 seconds at 150 WPM and 7 minutes 40 seconds at 130 WPM. Unless you plan long pauses, a demo or audience questions, write about 1,300 words.
Is 2,000 words too long for a 10-minute speech?
Yes. Even a fast speaker at 160 WPM needs about 12 minutes 30 seconds for 2,000 words, and at 130 WPM it takes over 15 minutes. Cut it to 1,300 to 1,500 words.
How many points should a 10-minute speech have?
One main message and three supporting points. Give each point about 2 and a half minutes, roughly 330 words at an average pace, which is room for a claim, evidence and a story.
Should I memorise a 10-minute speech?
Not word for word. 1,300 words is a lot to memorise, and losing your place is worse than glancing at notes. Learn the structure, rehearse out loud with a timer, and keep short notes for each point in front of you.