Word budgets by pace
| Pace | Continuous maximum | With 8% allowance |
|---|---|---|
| 100 WPM | 500 | 462 |
| 130 WPM | 650 | 601 |
| 150 WPM | 750 | 694 |
| 160 WPM | 800 | 740 |
The allowance is a transparent planning buffer, not a guarantee. A live audience, slides, or demonstrations may need more.
A practical five-minute outline
| Section | Time | Approximate words at 130 WPM |
|---|---|---|
| Opening | 0:00–0:40 | 70–85 |
| Main idea | 0:40–2:00 | 150–175 |
| Evidence or example | 2:00–4:05 | 230–270 |
| Conclusion | 4:05–5:00 | 90–110 |
Use the section timeline to see whether one paragraph consumes more than a quarter of the available time.
Rehearsal checklist
- Draft toward the recommended budget, not the continuous maximum.
- Mark slide transitions and intentional pauses.
- Practice from the actual slides or notes.
- Finish the built-in timer and apply a representative personal pace.
- Keep a safety margin for the event’s real conditions.
Calculate a different time slot or verify the final text in the speech calculator.