How to Write a Powerful 5-minute Speech

How much should you say if you’re asked to speak for 5 minutes?

If you’ve ever had to give a speech or presentation, you know that timing is critical. But how many words should you aim for in a five-minute speech? The answer isn’t as straightforward as you might think. Let’s break down what it takes to fit the right amount of words into your 5-minute speech.

First things first: How fast do you speak?

When it comes to public speaking, your pace (also known as pacing, speaking speed, or speaking rate) is measured in words per minute (WPM). The average person speaks at a rate of 125 to 150 WPM.

Your pace will depend on factors such as nervousness, the complexity of the material, and time constraints. The most important factor is your baseline pace.

If your average speaking speed is 150 WPM, the average word count for a 5-minute talk would be 750 words. If you speak faster or slower than this, the word count of your presentation will need to be adjusted accordingly. Consider a minimum of 650 words and a maximum of 850 words.

💡 Pro tip: Practice your speech at least three times to get a sense of your average pace. If possible, practice in front of a live audience (one or two friends) to simulate the fear or nerves you might experience when you give your speech. Practicing also helps with memorization, which can significantly reduce anxiety when presenting in front of an audience! It’s always better to be over-prepared than under-prepared when presenting any material.

What next?

Now that you know how many words you should aim for in your 5-minute speech, it’s time to focus on the content. Remember, a powerful speech isn’t just about how many words you can cram in; it’s about delivering a clear, compelling message that resonates with your audience.

Next, we’ll go over some tips to help you write a powerful 5-minute speech.

What type of speech are you giving?

The length of your speech will depend on the type of speech you’re giving.

For example, if you’re giving a persuasive speech, you may need more time to make your argument and provide supporting evidence. In that case, you may need to speak more quickly to fit in enough details. (On the contrary, consider whether the adage “less is more” applies to your speech or whether visual aids can help you communicate information more quickly and in fewer words.)

You may only need a few hundred words if you’re giving a short introduction or a thank-you speech. In these cases, you can speak more slowly and add longer pauses.

If you’re giving an informative speech—such as at a conference or professional event—you may need to include more technical information or industry jargon, which may require more words.

Remember the purpose of your speech and the key points you want to convey. Doing this will help you determine the appropriate length and pace for your speech.

💡 Pro tip: When you practice, keep track of how much time each section takes so you know exactly where to cut or add more content for better pacing.

What is your audience’s attention span?

Another essential factor to consider is your audience’s attention span. It’s been said that the average attention span of an adult is around 8 seconds. That means you must capture your audience’s attention early on and re-engage them throughout your speech.

Ways to engage your audience:

1. Start with a strong opening. Your opening should grab the audience’s attention and set the tone for the rest of the speech. You could start with a surprising fact, a personal anecdote, or a rhetorical question.

2. Use stories and examples. Stories and examples are a great way to illustrate your points. They also help your audience relate to your message on a personal level.

How can you make the most of your 5 minutes?

Now that you know approximately how many words you need for a 5-minute speech, making the most of your talk time is essential. Prepare your speech well in advance, and practice it until you feel comfortable delivering it.

Focus on your core message.

First, remember that the most crucial part of any speech is the core message you convey. Make sure that everything you say supports this message.

Before you start writing your speech, create an outline for yourself. Think about what key ideas you want to highlight in your speech and the order in which they should come. Doing this will help streamline your thoughts and give you direction as you write. The more detailed your outline is, the easier it will be to organize your ideas while writing out your full speech.

Be concise.

Use concise language that gets right to the point. The last thing you want to do is waste time using words that are redundant or don’t say anything of importance. As much as possible, try using short sentences and simple language that everyone can understand easily. Doing this also means avoiding technical jargon or words that are too complex for most people.

Practice your delivery.

When you deliver your speech, make sure to speak clearly and at a pace that is easy for your audience to follow. Use inflection and body language to emphasize key points and engage your audience. Use Speeko to get feedback on different areas of your speaking style.

Know your audience.

When you craft any presentation, think about who it is being presented for.

You must understand who your audience is and what they’re expecting from you. Knowing who will be listening will help ensure that the content of your speech resonates with them and keeps their attention throughout the presentation.

Consider your audience’s age range, interests, occupations, background knowledge, etc. Doing this will help shape which stories or facts you should include in your speech so you can tailor the content appropriately for maximum impact.

TLDR

The number of words in a 5-minute speech will vary depending on your speaking pace, the type of speech you’re giving, and your audience’s attention span.

Knowing which words should go into your five-minute speech will help ensure that both you, as the speaker, and your audience—get what they need from the speech.

Remember, you only have 5 minutes to deliver your speech. Make sure you practice your timing so that you don’t ramble on or rush through your points. Practice, practice, practice, and don’t forget to breathe and enjoy the moment!

With practice and preparation, you can most of your 5 minutes, leave a lasting impression on your audience and become a confident public speaker!

Download Speeko (iOS/macOS) to practice and get A.I. feedback on your presentation.

Speeko for speeches

Tap into the power of A.I. coaching to unleash your full speaking potential. Use Speeko’s to prepare, write, and organize your speech. From gathering your stories to using humor, you’ll strengthen your skills and receive invaluable feedback on key areas of your speaking style.