How many words is a 6-minute speech?
A 6-minute speech is about 780 to 900 words at a normal speaking pace of 130–150 words per minute.
At a glance
Words in a 6-minute speech at each pace
| Pace | Words per minute | Words |
|---|---|---|
| Slow | 110 | 660 |
| Average | 130 | 780 |
| Fast | 160 | 960 |
- 1.6–1.8 pages single-spaced
- 3.1–3.6 pages double-spaced
- 3–6 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.
Where it fits
What a 6-minute speech is used for
- Toastmasters Ice Breakers, which run 4 to 6 minutes, and other speech club projects
- Lincoln-Douglas debate, where the affirmative constructive is 6 minutes
- Class presentations and informative or persuasive speeches with a 4–6 or 5–6 minute brief
- Job interview presentations, short pitches and project updates
- Eulogies, retirement tributes and longer wedding speeches
Timed outline
How to structure a 6-minute speech
A plan for about 6 minutes of speaking. Word counts are at an average 130 words per minute.
- 0:00–0:45
Hook and main message about 98 words
Open with a question, a number or a short story, then say in one sentence what people will take away.
- 0:45–2:15
First point about 195 words
About 1 minute 30 seconds, roughly 200 words. Your strongest point, with one example or piece of evidence.
- 2:15–3:45
Second point about 195 words
Start it by about 2:15. Link it back to your main message in the first sentence.
- 3:45–5:15
Third point about 195 words
Start it by about 3:45. If rehearsal runs long, shorten this one rather than the close.
- 5:15–6:00
Close about 98 words
Start it by 5:15. Sum up the three points, repeat the main message and end on one clear ask or takeaway.
Rehearse your 6-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
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FAQ
How many words is a 6-minute speech?
A 6-minute speech is about 780 to 900 words at a normal speaking pace of 130–150 words per minute. A slow speaker at 110 WPM says about 660 words, and a fast one at 160 WPM about 960.
How many pages is a 6-minute speech?
About 1.6–1.8 pages single-spaced or 3.1–3.6 pages double-spaced, assuming a typed page of about 500 words single-spaced or 250 double-spaced.
How many slides for a 6-minute presentation?
Plan on 3 to 6 slides. Most presenters spend one to two minutes on each slide; at an average 130 WPM this talk runs about 6 minutes.
Is 600 words enough for a 6-minute speech?
No, it is short. 600 words takes only about 4 minutes at 150 WPM and 4 minutes 40 seconds at 130 WPM. Unless you plan pauses, a demo or audience questions, write about 780 words.
Is 1,000 words too long for a 6-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. Cut it to 780 to 900 words.
How many points should a 6-minute speech have?
One main message and three supporting points. Give each point about 1 minute 30 seconds, roughly 200 words at an average pace, which is room for a claim, an example and a link to the next point.
How do I keep a 6-minute speech on time?
Set checkpoints rather than watching the whole clock: second point by 2:15, third point by 3:45, close by 5:15. Rehearse out loud with a timer at least twice. If your slot is 4 to 6 minutes, aim to finish at about 5:30 so a slow start doesn't push you over.