The number of words in a one-minute speech typically depends on the speaker's pace. On average:
- Normal speaking pace: About 125 to 150 words per minute
- Slow speaking pace: Around 100 to 120 words per minute
- Fast speaking pace: Up to 160 to 180 words per minute
For most public speaking or presentations, aiming for 130 to 150 words per minute is a good rule of thumb to ensure clarity and engagement. If you’re preparing a speech and want to estimate its length, you can count the words and divide by your estimated speaking rate. For example, a 5-minute speech would be roughly 650 to 750 words at a moderate pace.
