10-minute speech: How long should it be? (1,300–1,500 words)

Quick answer

A 10-minute speech typically runs 1,300–1,500 words. Based on average speaking pace of 130–150 WPM; TED talks typically fall in this range.

Reading

6 min

at 238 WPM · midpoint

Speaking

10 min

at 140 WPM · midpoint

Drafting

~3 hr

at ~500 words/hour · midpoint

10-minute TED-style talk — roughly 1,400 words

TED/TEDx recommend 9–12 minutes; this structure leaves breathing room for pauses.

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