Guides/Speaking time from words

Speaking time from word count

Silent reading is faster than speaking. For presentations, convert word count with aspeaking WPM (often ~120–150), not a skimming rate.

Formula

• Minutes ≈ words ÷ speaking WPM
• Example: 900 words ÷ 150 WPM = 6 minutes
• Reading-time labels use faster WPM —reading time formula·average reading WPM.

Worked examples

1. 1,200 words at 120 WPM → 10 minutes.
2. 500 words at 130 WPM ≈ 3.8 → budget ~4 minutes plus pauses.
3. Add buffer for slides and Q&A — the formula is speech only.

Count words first

Word Counter·Essay word count·Characters vs words·1,000 words reading

Pacing tips

• Rehearse out loud once; adjust WPM to your natural pace.
• Dense technical lists need slower WPM than storytelling.

Common mistakes

• Using silent-reading WPM for a spoken script (finishes early on paper, overtime live).
• Ignoring time for demos, code walkthroughs, or interpreter lag.