How Long Is a 800-Word Speech?
6 min 9 sec
at conversational pace (130 wpm)
Slow (100 wpm)
8 min
Conversational (130 wpm)
6 min 9 sec
Presentation (120 wpm)
6 min 40 sec
Fast (160 wpm)
5 min
A 800-word speech takes approximately 6 min 9 sec at a conversational pace (130 words per minute). Speaking slowly and deliberately, it takes about 8 min. At a brisk pace, expect about 5 min.
Speech Duration by Pace
| Speaking Pace | Speed | Duration | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Slow / Deliberate | 100 wpm | 8 min | Formal speeches, eulogies |
| Presentation | 120 wpm | 6 min 40 sec | Business presentations, lectures |
| Conversational | 130 wpm | 6 min 9 sec | Casual talks, meetings |
| Fast / Energetic | 160 wpm | 5 min | Sales pitches, debates |
| Auctioneer | 250 wpm | 3 min 12 sec | Speed speaking (not recommended) |
How Many Words for Your Time Slot?
| Time Slot | Words Needed (130 wpm) |
|---|---|
| 3 minutes | 390 words |
| 5 minutes | 650 words |
| 10 minutes | 1,300 words |
| 15 minutes | 1,950 words |
| 20 minutes | 2,600 words |
| 30 minutes | 3,900 words |
Tips for Pacing Your Speech
Practise with a timer at least three times before your presentation. Your actual delivery pace often differs from silent reading.
Pause for 2 to 3 seconds after key points. Strategic pauses create emphasis and give your audience time to absorb information.
Mark your script with time checkpoints. For a 800-word speech, check your time at the quarter, half, and three-quarter marks.
Record yourself and listen back. Most speakers are surprised by how different their actual pace is from what they imagine.
External Resources
- Grammarly Blog — Writing tips, grammar guides, and style advice
- Writer's Digest — Writing craft, publishing advice, and author resources
- Reedsy Blog — Book writing, publishing, and editing guides
- The Write Life — Practical writing career advice and tools
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Open Word CounterFrequently Asked Questions
How long is a 800-word speech?
A 800-word speech takes approximately 6 min 9 sec at a conversational pace of 130 words per minute. At a slower, more deliberate pace (100 wpm), it takes about 8 min.
How many words do I need for a 5-minute speech?
At conversational pace (130 wpm), a 5-minute speech requires approximately 650 words. At a slower pace (100 wpm), you would need about 500 words.
How many words for a 10-minute speech?
At conversational pace, a 10-minute speech needs approximately 1,300 words.
How do I pace a 800-word speech?
Practise with a timer, pause between key points, maintain eye contact with your audience, and aim for 120 to 130 words per minute for natural delivery.