How long is a 1,000-word speech?
A 1,000-word speech takes about 6 minutes 40 seconds to 7 minutes 40 seconds to say at a normal speaking pace of 130–150 words per minute.
At a glance
How long a 1,000-word speech takes at each pace
| Pace | Words per minute | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Slow | 110 | 9 minutes 10 seconds |
| Average | 130 | 7 minutes 40 seconds |
| Fast | 160 | 6 minutes 20 seconds |
- 2 pages single-spaced
- 4 pages double-spaced
- 4–8 slides
Pages assume about 500 typed words single-spaced or 250 double-spaced. Slides assume one to two minutes on each; the slide count calculator works it out for other styles.
Reading time
How long does it take to read 1,000 words?
Reading 1,000 words silently takes about 4 to 5 minutes at a typical reading speed of 200–250 words per minute.
Reading aloud is slower than reading in your head, so time your speech at your speaking pace, not your reading pace.
Where it fits
What a 1,000-word speech is used for
- Class speeches and essays read aloud with a 1,000-word limit
- Toastmasters Pathways speeches (5–7 minutes), if you speak at a brisk pace
- Longer wedding speeches, eulogies and tributes
- Short sermons, devotionals and reflections
- Scripts for 7–8 minute videos, podcasts and voice-overs
Timed outline
How to structure a 1,000-word speech
A plan for about 7 minutes 40 seconds of speaking. Word counts are at an average 130 words per minute.
- 0:00–0:42
Opening and main message about 91 words
About 90 words. A hook, then the one thing you want people to remember.
- 0:42–2:42
First point about 260 words
About 260 words. Your strongest point, with one example or story.
- 2:42–4:42
Second point about 260 words
About 260 words. Start it by about 2:45, with a one-line link back to the main message.
- 4:42–6:42
Third point about 260 words
About 260 words. Start it by about 4:45. If you need to cut, cut here rather than the close.
- 6:42–7:42
Close about 130 words
About 130 words. Start it by about 6:45. Recap the three points and end on one clear ask or takeaway.
Rehearse your 1,000-word 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 long is a 1,000-word speech?
A 1,000-word speech takes about 6 minutes 40 seconds to 7 minutes 40 seconds to say at a normal speaking pace of 130–150 words per minute. At a slow 110 WPM it takes about 9 minutes 10 seconds, and at a fast 160 WPM about 6 minutes 20 seconds.
How long does it take to read 1,000 words?
Reading 1,000 words silently takes about 4 to 5 minutes at a typical reading speed of 200–250 words per minute. Reading it aloud takes longer: about 6 minutes 40 seconds to 7 minutes 40 seconds at 130–150 words per minute.
How many pages is a 1,000-word speech?
About 2 pages single-spaced or 4 pages double-spaced, assuming a typed page of about 500 words single-spaced or 250 double-spaced.
How many slides for a 1,000-word presentation?
Plan on 4 to 8 slides. Most presenters spend one to two minutes on each slide; at an average 130 WPM this talk runs about 7 minutes 40 seconds.
Is 1,000 words too long for a 5-minute speech?
Yes. Even a fast speaker at 160 WPM needs about 6 minutes 20 seconds for 1,000 words, and at 130 WPM it takes about 7 minutes 40 seconds. For 5 minutes, cut it to 650 to 750 words.
Can I fit 1,000 words into a 7-minute speech?
Only at a brisk pace. At 150 WPM 1,000 words takes 6 minutes 40 seconds, but at 130 WPM it runs about 7 minutes 40 seconds. If 7 minutes is a hard limit, cut it to about 900 words.
How many paragraphs is 1,000 words?
About 5 to 10 paragraphs, if each one is 100 to 200 words. For a speech, shorter paragraphs are easier to read from: one idea each, so you can glance down and find your place.