How long is a 500-word speech?
A 500-word speech takes about 3 minutes 20 seconds to 3 minutes 50 seconds to say at a normal speaking pace of 130–150 words per minute.
At a glance
How long a 500-word speech takes at each pace
| Pace | Words per minute | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Slow | 110 | 4 minutes 30 seconds |
| Average | 130 | 3 minutes 50 seconds |
| Fast | 160 | 3 minutes 10 seconds |
- 1 pages single-spaced
- 2 pages double-spaced
- 2–4 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 500 words?
Reading 500 words silently takes about 2 minutes to 2 minutes 30 seconds 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 500-word speech is used for
- Class speeches and essays read aloud with a 500-word limit
- Wedding toasts and best man or maid of honour speeches
- Student council and class election speeches
- Short eulogies, tributes and retirement speeches
- Scripts for 3–4 minute videos, podcast intros and voice-overs
Timed outline
How to structure a 500-word speech
A plan for about 3 minutes 50 seconds of speaking. Word counts are at an average 130 words per minute.
- 0:00–0:36
Opening and main message about 78 words
About 80 words. A hook, then the one thing you want people to remember.
- 0:36–1:51
First point about 163 words
About 160 words. Your strongest point, with one example or story.
- 1:51–3:06
Second point about 163 words
About 160 words. Start it by about 1:50, with a one-line link back to the main message.
- 3:06–3:51
Close about 98 words
About 100 words. Start it by about 3:05. Recap both points and end on one clear ask or takeaway.
Rehearse your 500-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 500-word speech?
A 500-word speech takes about 3 minutes 20 seconds to 3 minutes 50 seconds to say at a normal speaking pace of 130–150 words per minute. At a slow 110 WPM it takes about 4 minutes 30 seconds, and at a fast 160 WPM about 3 minutes 10 seconds.
How long does it take to read 500 words?
Reading 500 words silently takes about 2 minutes to 2 minutes 30 seconds at a typical reading speed of 200–250 words per minute. Reading it aloud takes longer: about 3 minutes 20 seconds to 3 minutes 50 seconds at 130–150 words per minute.
How many pages is a 500-word speech?
About 1 pages single-spaced or 2 pages double-spaced, assuming a typed page of about 500 words single-spaced or 250 double-spaced.
How many slides for a 500-word presentation?
Plan on 2 to 4 slides. Most presenters spend one to two minutes on each slide; at an average 130 WPM this talk runs about 3 minutes 50 seconds.
Is 500 words too long for a 3-minute speech?
Slightly. Even a fast speaker at 160 WPM needs about 3 minutes 10 seconds for 500 words, and at 130 WPM it takes about 3 minutes 50 seconds. For 3 minutes, cut it to 390 to 450 words.
Is 500 words enough for a 5-minute speech?
No. At 130 WPM 500 words runs about 3 minutes 50 seconds, and even at a slow 110 WPM only about 4 minutes 30 seconds. For 5 minutes, aim for 650 to 750 words.
How many paragraphs is 500 words?
About 3 to 5 paragraphs, if each one is 100 to 150 words. For a speech, keep each paragraph to one idea, so you can glance down and find your place.