How many words is a 1-minute speech?
A 1-minute speech is about 140 words at an average pace of 140 words per minute, or 110–170 words depending on how fast you speak.
| Speaking pace | Words in 1 minute |
|---|---|
| Slow, deliberate (110 wpm) | 110 words |
| Average (140 wpm) | 140 words |
| Fast, energetic (170 wpm) | 170 words |
What a 1 min speech is usually for
At this length you're typically giving an elevator pitch, a self-introduction, a "tell me about yourself" interview answer or a short toast. Some practical advice:
- Lead with the one thing you want people to remember.
- Cut every sentence that doesn't support it; there is no time for background.
- Practise it out loud until it fits with a few seconds to spare.
Why your word count can differ
- Pauses and reactions: laughter, applause and deliberate pauses can take 10–20% of the time.
- Slides and demos: switching slides or showing something on screen slows you down.
- Nerves: most people speak faster on the day than in rehearsal. Practise slightly under time.
- Reading vs. speaking: reading a script aloud is usually faster and flatter than talking from notes.
Speech time calculator
Frequently asked questions
How many words is a 1-minute speech?
A 1-minute speech is about 140 words at an average pace of 140 words per minute, or 110–170 words depending on how fast you speak.
What is a normal speaking pace?
Most people speak at 120–160 words per minute in a presentation; 140 is a good planning figure. Nervous speakers tend to speed up, so rehearse with a timer.
How many pages is a 1-minute speech?
About 0.6 pages double-spaced or 0.3 single-spaced in a 12 pt font, at 140 words per minute.