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How many words is a 4-minute speech?
A 4-minute speech is about 520 to 600 words, or 2.1 to 2.4 double-spaced pages.
Work it out
words, at 130 to 150 words a minute
- At 140 words a minute
- 560 words
- Script pages, double-spaced
- 2.1–2.4
- Pages, single-spaced, Arial 12 pt
- 1–1.2
- Reading it silently
- 2 min 21 sec
- Paragraphs
- 3–6
Write it in the word counter with a limit of 600 words.
Open the word counterWords for 4-minute speech at different speeds
| Pace | Words | Double-spaced pages |
|---|---|---|
| Measured, 130 words a minute | 520 | 2.1 |
| Typical, 140 words a minute | 560 | 2.2 |
| Conversational, 150 words a minute | 600 | 2.4 |
Estimates for US Letter or A4 with 1-inch (2.54 cm) margins and ordinary paragraphs; reading at 238 words a minute, speaking at 130 to 150.
Where four minutes comes up
A Toastmasters Ice Breaker, the first prepared speech in the program, runs four to six minutes. Four minutes is also a typical class presentation, a eulogy, or a speech at a retirement party.
Pacing four minutes
Plan about a minute per main section: an opening, two points, a close. If your script runs to 600 words, read it aloud with a timer; most people need the lower figure, around 520, to sound unhurried.
Questions and answers
How many words is a 4-minute speech?
About 520 to 600 words.
How many pages is a 4-minute speech?
About 2.1 to 2.4 double-spaced pages, or about one single-spaced page.
How long is a Toastmasters Ice Breaker?
Four to six minutes, which is about 520 to 900 words written out.