How many words is a 20-minute speech?
A 20-minute speech is about 2,600 to 3,000 words at a normal speaking pace of 130–150 words per minute.
At a glance
Words in a 20-minute speech at each pace
| Pace | Words per minute | Words |
|---|---|---|
| Slow | 110 | 2,200 |
| Average | 130 | 2,600 |
| Fast | 160 | 3,200 |
- 5.2–6 pages single-spaced
- 10–12 pages double-spaced
- 10–20 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 20-minute presentation for other styles and a slide-by-slide outline.
Where it fits
What a 20-minute speech is used for
- Conference talks and breakout sessions, where 20 minutes is one of the most common slot lengths
- Job interview presentations, often briefed as 20 minutes followed by 10 minutes of questions
- Thesis, dissertation and project defence presentations before the panel's questions
- Sermons, homilies and keynotes at school, club or community events
- Sales pitches, client proposals and quarterly or board updates
Timed outline
How to structure a 20-minute speech
A plan for about 20 minutes of speaking. Word counts are at an average 130 words per minute.
- 0:00–1:30
Opening and roadmap about 195 words
A hook, your main message, then a one-line preview of your three points so people know where the talk is going.
- 1:30–7:00
First point about 715 words
About 5 minutes 30 seconds, roughly 720 words. Make the claim, back it with evidence, then tell one story or example.
- 7:00–12:30
Second point about 715 words
Start it by about 7:00. Open with a one-line recap so anyone who drifted can rejoin.
- 12:30–18:00
Third point about 715 words
Start it by about 12:30. Twenty minutes is long enough to lose a room, so change pace here: a question, a demo or a short story.
- 18:00–20:00
Close about 260 words
Start it by 18:00. Recap the three points, repeat the main message and finish on one clear ask or takeaway.
Rehearse your 20-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 20-minute speech?
A 20-minute speech is about 2,600 to 3,000 words at a normal speaking pace of 130–150 words per minute. A slow speaker at 110 WPM says about 2,200 words, and a fast one at 160 WPM about 3,200.
How many pages is a 20-minute speech?
About 5.2–6 pages single-spaced or 10–12 pages double-spaced, assuming a typed page of about 500 words single-spaced or 250 double-spaced.
How many slides for a 20-minute presentation?
Plan on 10 to 20 slides. Most presenters spend one to two minutes on each slide; at an average 130 WPM this talk runs about 20 minutes.
Is 2,000 words enough for a 20-minute speech?
No, it is short. 2,000 words takes only about 13 minutes 20 seconds at 150 WPM and 15 minutes 20 seconds at 130 WPM. Unless you plan a demo, a video or audience questions, write about 2,600 words.
Is 3,500 words too long for a 20-minute speech?
Yes. Even a fast speaker at 160 WPM needs about 21 minutes 50 seconds for 3,500 words, and at 130 WPM it takes about 27 minutes. Cut it to 2,600 to 3,000 words.
How many points should a 20-minute speech have?
One main message and three supporting points. Give each point about 5 minutes 30 seconds, roughly 720 words at an average pace, which is room for a claim, evidence and a story. If you have more to say, add examples to each point rather than a fourth point.
How do I keep a 20-minute speech on time?
Set checkpoints rather than watching the whole clock: second point by 7:00, third point by 12:30, close by 18:00. Rehearse out loud with a timer at least twice. If questions come straight after, finish at about 19 minutes so a slow start doesn't eat into them.