counter-word

Speech word counter

The word count is secondary. The number that matters is how long the script runs when spoken, at the pace you will actually deliver it.

Your text
At four delivery paces

Numbers appear here once you add text.

Words per slot

At a conversational 140 words per minute. Write to the lower figure in each range: the extra room absorbs pauses, laughter and the sentence you decide to add on the day.

SlotWordsWrite to
1 minute130–150~120
3 minutes390–450~360
5 minutes650–750~600
7 minutes910–1,050~850
10 minutes1,300–1,500~1,200
15 minutes1,950–2,250~1,800
20 minutes2,600–3,000~2,400
30 minutes3,900–4,500~3,600
45 minutes5,850–6,750~5,400

Writing for the ear

Speech and prose fail differently. A sentence that reads beautifully can be unspeakable, and the test is simply reading it aloud.

  • Shorter sentences. A listener cannot re-read. Anything over about 20 words risks losing them mid-clause.
  • Signposting is essential. “Three things.” “First…” A reader sees structure on the page; a listener must be told it.
  • Repetition helps. What reads as redundant on the page lands as emphasis in a room.
  • Numbers need rounding. “Nearly a third” carries; “31.7 per cent” does not.
  • Read it aloud. Every sentence you stumble on will trip you again in front of the audience.
Time a rehearsal against the script rather than trusting the estimate. Everyone speeds up under pressure, and knowing your own margin is worth more than any words-per-minute figure.

Common questions

How many words is a 5-minute speech?

About 650 to 750 words at a conversational pace. Write nearer 600 to leave room for pauses. See the detailed breakdown.

Should I write the speech out in full?

Write it fully so you can time it, then reduce it to notes for delivery. Reading a script aloud sounds like reading; delivering from notes after writing it out sounds prepared.

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