How many words is a 5-minute speech?
A 5-minute speech is about 650 to 750 words at a normal speaking pace of 130–150 words per minute.
At a glance
Words in a 5-minute speech at each pace
| Pace | Words per minute | Words |
|---|---|---|
| Slow | 110 | 550 |
| Average | 130 | 650 |
| Fast | 160 | 800 |
- 1.3–1.5 pages single-spaced
- 2.6–3 pages double-spaced
- 3–5 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 5-minute presentation for other styles and a slide-by-slide outline.
Where it fits
What a 5-minute speech is used for
- Class presentations, oral assessments and informative or persuasive speeches
- Job interview presentations, where five minutes is the most common brief
- Toastmasters Ice Breakers (4–6 minutes) and other speech club projects
- Lightning talks and Ignite-style slots at meetups and conferences
- Eulogies, retirement tributes and longer wedding speeches
Timed outline
How to structure a 5-minute speech
A plan for about 5 minutes of speaking. Word counts are at an average 130 words per minute.
- 0:00–0:30
Hook and main message about 65 words
Open with a question, a number or a short story, then tell people what they will take away.
- 0:30–1:45
First point about 163 words
Your strongest point first, with one example or piece of evidence.
- 1:45–3:00
Second point about 163 words
A second reason or example. You should reach it at about 1:45.
- 3:00–4:15
Third point about 163 words
Your last point. If rehearsal runs long, shorten this one first.
- 4:15–5:00
Close about 98 words
Sum up the three points in a sentence each, then end on a clear ask, thanks or call to action.
Rehearse your 5-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 5-minute speech?
A 5-minute speech is about 650 to 750 words at a normal speaking pace of 130–150 words per minute. A slow speaker at 110 WPM says about 550 words, and a fast one at 160 WPM about 800.
How many pages is a 5-minute speech?
About 1.3–1.5 pages single-spaced or 2.6–3 pages double-spaced, assuming a typed page of about 500 words single-spaced or 250 double-spaced.
How many slides for a 5-minute presentation?
Plan on 3 to 5 slides. Most presenters spend one to two minutes on each slide; at an average 130 WPM this talk runs about 5 minutes.
Is 2 pages enough for a 5-minute speech?
It depends on the spacing. Two double-spaced pages (about 500 words) take only 3 minutes 20 seconds to just under 4 minutes, so you will finish early. Two single-spaced pages (about 1,000 words) take 6 minutes 40 seconds even at a brisk 150 WPM, so that is too long. Aim for about 1.5 pages single-spaced or 3 pages double-spaced.
Is 800 words too long for a 5-minute speech?
Only fast speakers can fit it. 800 words takes exactly 5 minutes at 160 WPM, but just over 6 minutes at 130 WPM. Most people should write 650 to 700 words to leave room for pauses.
How many points should a 5-minute speech have?
One main message and three supporting points. Give each point about 75 seconds, roughly 160 words at an average pace, which is room for a claim, an example and a one-line link to the next point.