Script Details
Estimated Speaking Time
Write Your Speech with Your Voice
Don't type your script. Great speeches are spoken, not written. Use CoScript to dictate your presentation in real-time, instantly pasting perfectly formatted text directly into your notes. Try the ultimate desktop dictation engine.
Try CoScript For FreeHow to Calculate Speech Time from Word Count
Whether you are preparing a wedding toast, a university presentation, or a keynote address, knowing how long your speech will take is critical. The general rule of thumb in the public speaking industry is that the average person speaks at a rate of 130 words per minute (WPM).
- Slow / Dramatic Speaking: 100 to 110 WPM. (Ideal for eulogies or highly technical presentations).
- Average / Conversational Speaking: 120 to 140 WPM. (Ideal for podcasts, YouTube videos, and standard business presentations).
- Fast / Enthusiastic Speaking: 150 to 160 WPM. (Ideal for radio broadcasts and high-energy sales pitches).
How long does it take to read 500 words?
At an average conversational pace of 130 words per minute, it takes approximately 3 minutes and 50 seconds to read a 500-word script. If you speed up to 150 WPM, you will finish in exactly 3 minutes and 20 seconds.
How long does it take to read 1000 words?
A 1,000-word script will take you approximately 7 minutes and 41 seconds to speak aloud at a comfortable conversational pace.
The Secret to Writing Better Speeches
The biggest mistake novice speakers make is typing their speeches. Written language is far more formal and stiff than spoken language. When you type your speech, you end up reading an essay aloud, which sounds unnatural to the audience.
Professional speakers use dictation software like CoScript. By pressing a hotkey and speaking their thoughts aloud, CoScript instantly transcribes their natural voice into text. This ensures the script is written exactly how it will be spoken, maintaining a conversational, engaging tone that captivates audiences.