Timing is crucial when delivering speeches. Event organizers plan on a certain amount of time for each speech, and individuals who speak too long throw off the timing and risk losing audience interest. Smart speakers convert their words into time to calculate how long their speeches will be and practice them, along with visuals, to get accurate timing.
Public speaking is daunting, and timing is one of the biggest challenges. Getting it right is crucial for a successful and memorable presentation.
This article explores tips and techniques to help you master the art of timing in public speaking and deliver a powerful speech that engages and inspires your audience. When you learn to convert your words into time, you are on the road to delivering a speech that is timed just right.
Why is The Timing Of Speeches Important?
A speech that is too short or too long may leave the audience feeling dissatisfied or disinterested. The length of a speech should be appropriate to the occasion, the topic, and the audience.
Timing is especially important in speech events with strict running schedules, such as debate, poetry recitation, or stand-up comedy. Going over the allotted time not only throws off the event timing but can also result in disqualification or point deductions.
When a wedding or awards ceremony has room for speakers, long speeches drag out this part of the event. Speaking too long may belabor the point, kill the moment, and bore the audience. Keeping the timing right is crucial to ensuring the audience stays engaged and interested throughout the speech. In short, timing is an essential aspect of public speaking that can make or break a presentation.
What Impact Does An Overly-Long Speech Have On An Event?
An overly-long speech harms an event in several ways.
Firstly, it disrupts the schedule and causes delays in the event, which is frustrating for the audience, especially if they have other commitments to attend to. This is particularly true for political speeches or speeches at weddings, where there is often a tight schedule to follow.
Secondly, an overly-long speech affects audience engagement. This is especially true in the case of an elevator pitch or a speech in a corporate setting, where attention spans are typically shorter.
Lastly, an overly-long speech can be seen as disrespectful to the audience’s time and attention. The audience may feel its time is being wasted and become frustrated or resentful towards the speaker.
How Can Speakers Know How Long Their Speech Will Be?
Speakers can use several methods to know how long their speech will be.
One common method is to use a speech converter, a tool that converts the written text of a speech into an estimate of the time it will take to deliver the speech. These tools typically take into account factors such as the number of words, the reading speed of the speaker, and pauses and breaks in the speech.
Another way to estimate the length of a speech is to practice delivering it. Rehearsing the speech several times and timing each run-through gives the speaker a good idea of how long the speech will take to deliver. The actual delivery time may vary slightly depending on the delivery speed and the level of audience interaction.
In addition, some speakers prefer to use timing cues during the speech to help them stay on track. These cues may include using a stopwatch or timer, having a moderator give a signal at critical points in the speech, or using visual aids such as cue cards or slides with time markers.
How Do You Convert Words Into Time For Speech Delivery?
Speech calculators typically work by using an algorithm that considers various factors, such as the average reading speed of a person, their speaking pace, the number of words in the speech, and any pauses or breaks included in the text.
Generally, a person’s average speaking speed is about 130 to 150 words per minute (wpm). Based on this average speaking rate, speeches containing 40 words would take less than a minute to deliver, while lectures containing 100 words would take around 40 to 50 seconds.
A 500-word speech would take around 3½ to 4 minutes to deliver, while an address containing 750 words would take 5 to 6 minutes. A 1000-word speech would take about 7 to 8 minutes.
To calculate the number of words to speak in an hour, we use the average reading speed of 130 to 150 words per minute.
- Assuming a speech rate of 135 words per minute, a speaker would say about 8,100 words in an hour.
- Assuming a speech rate of 150 words per minute, a speaker would say about 9,000 words in an hour.
Use this easy time calculator to work out your word count for a specified number of minutes:
| Length of Speech | Word Count |
| 1-minute speech | 130-150 words |
| 2-minute speech | 130-150 words |
| 3-minute speech | 130-150 words |
| 4-minute speech | 130-150 words |
| 5-minute speech | 650-750 words |
| 10-minute speech | 1,300-1,500 words |
| 15-minute speech | 1,950-2,250 words |
| 20-minute speech | 2,600-3,000 words |
How Much Time Does It Take To Use SIides, Charts, And Other Visuals?
The time frames for using slides, charts, and other visuals in a speech depend on the complexity of the visuals, the amount of information being presented, and the audience’s familiarity with the subject matter.
Generally, it’s best to keep visuals concise and to the point. Visual aids should support the speaker’s message and not detract from it. A good rule of thumb is to limit visuals to no more than one slide or chart per minute of speaking time.
When creating slides or charts, keep them simple and easy to read. Use large fonts and clear, contrasting colors to ensure the information is easily visible from a distance. Practice the timing of each slide or chart beforehand so the delivery flows smoothly and doesn’t detract from the overall message.
A simple chart or graph may only take a few seconds to present, while a more complex one may take up to a minute or more. Factor in the time it takes to set up the visual aids, such as connecting a laptop or adjusting the projector.
The Importance Of Practicing Your Speech With Visuals
Practicing your speech with visuals is important because it allows you to ensure that the delivery flows smoothly and the visuals enhance the message. It also helps you avoid technical issues and saves time during the presentation.
By practicing with the visuals, you can get a sense of how long each slide or chart takes to present and adjust your timing accordingly. Finally, practicing with visuals helps build confidence in delivering the message and enhances the overall impact of the presentation.
Why You Should Have A Plan To Shorten Your Speech If Necessary
Having a plan to shorten your speech length is necessary because unexpected events can occur during a presentation, such as technical difficulties or a change in the event schedule. It also allows you to adjust your delivery to keep the audience engaged and prevent them from losing interest.
It also allows you to adjust your delivery to keep an audience engaged and prevent it from losing interest.
By having a plan to shorten the speech, you prioritize the most relevant points and ensure that the key message is delivered. It shows professionalism and respect for the audience’s time by providing a concise and effective presentation.