speech to word count

convert words to time .

How long will it take to read a speech or presentation?

Enter the word count into the tool below (or paste in text) to see how many minutes it will take you to read. Estimates number of minutes based on a slow, average, or fast paced reading speed.

Number of words

Reading speed

Common conversions (average speed)

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Do you wonder how long it takes to deliver your speech?

This website helps you convert the number of words into the time it takes to deliver your speech, online and for free. This tool is useful when preparing a speech or a presentation. The number of minutes you will take is dependent on the number of words and your speed of speech, or reading speed.

Note: This calculator provides an indication only.

Enter details below

The overview below provides an indication of the minutes for a speech (based on an average reading speed of 130 words per minute):

• Words in a 1 minute speech 130 words
• Words in a 2 minute speech 260 words
• Words in a 3 minute speech 390 words
• Words in a 4 minute speech 520 words
• Words in a 5 minute speech 650 words
• Words in a 10 minute speech 1300 words
• Words in a 15 minute speech 1950 words
• Words in a 20 minute speech 2600 words
• How long does a 500 word speech take? 3.8 minutes
• How long does a 1000 word speech take? 7.7 minutes
• How long does a 1250 word speech take? 9.6 minutes
• How long does a 1500 word speech take? 11.5 minutes
• How long does a 1750 word speech take? 13.5 minutes
• How long does a 2000 word speech take? 15.4 minutes
• How long does a 2500 word speech take? 19.2 minutes
• How long does a 5000 word speech take? 38.5 minutes

Speaking time calculator

Type or paste your speech to instantly calculate your speaking time

How does this speech timer work

To begin, delete the sample text and either type in your speech or copy and paste it into the editor.

The average reading speed and speech rate is 200 words per minute and is the default setting above. Once you paste your speech, click “Play” and Speechify will analyze your speech by the number of words and generate a time to speak it at the default rate.

You can listen to your speech in various accents or languages. If you are aiming for a specific timeframe for your speech, click edit to either increase or decrease the number of words to see how long it would take to speak them.

You can also increase or decrease the speaking rate to gauge how fast or slow you should speak in order to get to a specific time with the number of words you have in your speech.

To get to that perfect word count to fit with the speech length time, you’ll have to keep editing between words per minute (WPM) and number of words.

The best part is that you can share your speech in audio format to your friends, relatives, or peers to review it. They can simply click play and listen to your speech.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many words are there in a 1 minute speech.

Based on the average speed of speech, there are 150 words in a 1 minute speech.

How many words are there in a 2 minute speech?

There are 300 words per minute in a 2 minute speech. 2 minutes isn’t a long time so when you speak, you could endure the average speaking rate.

How many words are there in a 3 minute speech?

On average there are 450 words in a 3 minute speech. This is based on the average speech rate of 250 words per minute. At the 3 minute mark, even a novice speaker could keep going at the rate they started – with some practice.

How many words are there in a 4 minute speech?

On average there are 600 words in a 4 minute speech. This is based on the average speech rate of 250 words per minute. Still, even a novice speaker could maintain the 150 words per minute rate. Try it in the Soundbite above. Set your words per minute and speak along to see if you could endure consistency over 4 minutes.

How many words are there in a 5 minute speech?

On average there are 750 words in a 5 minute speech. This is based on the average speech rate of 250 words per minute. While this is simple math, we after all are humans and 5 minutes can be pushing the boundaries of a consistent speech tempo and words per minute.

How many words are there in a 10 minute speech?

In a 10 minute speech aim for 1000 words. The math might tell you 1,500 words but consider your speech. You might need pauses, rest for your voice, dramatic effects, and perhaps even audience interaction. Also, it becomes quite difficult to endure a consistent 150 words per minute speech rate for 10 minutes. Consider your listeners. We doubt very few people would want to listen to a precisely 150 words per minute speech for 10 minutes. It wouldn’t be engaging. And in a speech, you should engage and communicate.

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Introducing Speech Time Calculate

Estimate how many minutes your speeches, presentations, and voice-over scripts will take based on your words per minute rate!

How To Speech Time Calculate Using This Tool?

If you have a certain number of words or a piece of text you want to time, you can either type in the word count or paste the text into the provided area. This tool will then calculate how long it would take to read that text out loud.

The talk time estimate is calculated using the average speaking speed of adults, which is determined to be 183 words per minute based on scientific studies. If you’re interested in how long it would take to read silently, it’s estimated at 238 words per minute ( This data is also backed by research )

You can adjust the slider to change the words per minute value, which will affect the talk time estimate. However, the silent reading time estimate remains fixed at 238 words per minute.

For ease of use, we’ve also provided reference points for slow, average, and fast reading rates below the slider.

To begin anew, simply click the ‘clear text’ button to erase the content and restore the slider back to its original setting of 183.

Who is This Words to Minutes Converter Tool For?

If you are a student wondering how long is my essay or you’ve been tasked with writing a speech and need to know how many words to aim for and how many minutes will it take to deliver or perhaps you are a podcaster, just starting out, who wants the ability to easily synchronize music and spoken word without having to painstakingly calculate seconds between them, then this Speech Time Calculate is precisely for you!

From now on, instead of spending long hours in front of the computer trying to figure out how many seconds it takes for one phrase or section of dialogue to end and another to begin, you can let our innovative tool do all the work and convert your text to time quickly and accurately. With this powerful tool at your disposal, whether you’re giving a TED talk or just need to nail a business presentation, your life will become a little bit easier.

So keep reading to learn more about what this fantastic words to minutes converter has in store for public speakers, aspiring students, and professional radio producers alike!

Whether you want to read the text silently or speak aloud, you can use this tool as both:

• Reading time calculator
• Talk time calculator

Explanation of the Reading Time

Reading time refers to the duration it takes for an average person to read a written text silently while still comprehending its content. Based on an extensive analysis of 190 studies that involved 18,573 participants , research conducted by Marc Brysbaert in 2019 suggests that the typical silent reading speed for an adult individual is approximately 238 words per minute .

To convert word count to read time for a specific text, you can do so by dividing the total word count of the text by this established value of 238. Here is the mathematical equation for determining the duration of reading time in minutes:

Reading Time = Total Word Count / 238

Explanation of the Speech Time

Speech time refers to the duration it takes for an average person to read a text out loud. Based on data from 77 studies involving 5,965 people , it’s been found that most adults read aloud at a speed of approximately 183 words per minute ( research conducted by Marc Brysbaert in 2019 ). To figure out how long it will take to read a specific piece of text aloud, you can divide the total number of words in the text by this average rate of 183 words per minute.

Of course, it’s important to note that talk time can vary depending on factors such as clarity of speech, pauses for emphasis, and use of visual aids. However, using this tool for converting the number of words to minutes can still provide a helpful guideline for planning and practicing your presentation. By having a better understanding of speech rates, you can ensure that your message is delivered effectively and efficiently.

Benefits of Using a Speech Time Calculate

Time management in presentations.

Effective time management during presentations is crucial to ensure the audience remains engaged and the information is accurately conveyed. This is where our words to speaking time converter comes in handy. By using this tool, presenters can easily determine how many words they need to include in their presentation to stay within the allotted time frame.

Not only does it help with time management, but it also ensures that the pacing of the presentation is consistent, making it easier for the audience to follow. With the use of this presentation time calculator, presenters can confidently deliver their presentations without the worry of running over time or rushing through it.

Estimated speech time for public speaking

Public speaking can be nerve-wracking, especially when you have too little or too much information to fill your time slot. You wonder only if there were an accurate public speaking time calculator available so that you could be able to allocate the appropriate amount of time to each section of your presentation, ensuring that you cover all the necessary points without rushing or going over time.

Effective pacing is key in ensuring your message is delivered with clarity and impact.

Most public speakers target an average of 130-150 words per minute for their spoken content, meaning you should aim to limit your speaking time to roughly one minute per 130-150 words. While this may take some practice to achieve, the end result is a confident, well-timed delivery that keeps your audience engaged from start to finish.

Remember, in public speaking, less is often more—take your time to breathe and emphasize key points. Your audience will appreciate your thoughtful and measured approach. For that, you can use this tool and adjust your words to speech time.

Accurate estimations for audiobooks and podcasts

As more and more people turn to audiobooks and podcasts for their entertainment and information needs, accurate estimations of listening time have become more important than ever. After all, there’s nothing worse than settling in for a quick listen only to find yourself trapped in a story that goes on for hours longer than you anticipated.

That’s why it’s great to see publishers and podcast producers taking estimated reading time seriously, providing listeners with the information they need to choose the right content for their schedule. Whether you’re looking for a quick listen on your daily commute or a lengthy distraction for a lazy Sunday afternoon, accurate estimations using this words to speak time calculator make it easier than ever to find the perfect content.

Some Popular Speech Times

how many words in a 2 minute speech

Almost 300 words

how many words in a 3 minute speech

Almost 450 words

how many words in a 4 minute speech

Almost 600 words

how many words in a 15 minute speech

Almost 2250 words

The speech time is calculated taking 150 words per minute as reference value

Common conversions (average speed)

How long does it take to read 500 words?

3.8 minutes

How long does it take to read 750 words?

5.8 minutes

How long does it take to read 1000 words?

7.7 minutes

How long does it take to read 1200 words?

9.2 minutes

How long does it take to read 1500 words?

11.5 minutes

How long does it take to read 1800 words?

13.8 minutes

How long does it take to read 2000 words?

15.4 minutes

How long does it take to read 3000 words?

23.1 minutes

As the world becomes more fast-paced, time is a precious commodity. Determining how long your script will take to read, whether for a presentation or a video, can make a significant difference in engaging and retaining your audience’s attention.

That’s where our Words to Time Converter comes in handy. It’s a valuable tool for anyone working in various professions, from broadcast journalists to teachers to executives. No matter the industry, time is of the essence, and knowing how long your speech or presentation will take is crucial for effective communication.

Speech calculator:  how long does it take to deliver your speech?

With this speech calculator, you can easily calculate how long it will take you to deliver a speech.

How many words per minute?

In the English language, people speak about 140 words per minute. A fast speaker will get to 170 words per minute, a slow speaker will use around 110 words.

Professional speechwriters use this speech calculator to find out how long a speech takes.

Copy your full text and paste it in the box below:

The entire analysis happens within your browser. The text will NOT be stored and NOT be sent over the web.

Word count:

Your speech rate:

Speech duration:

FAQ’s

How many words is a 3 minute speech  .

A speaker with an average speaking speed will need 420 words for a 3 minute speech. A fast speaker will need 510 words while a slow speaker will only need 330 words.

How many words is a 5 minute speech?  

A speaker with an average speaking speed will need 700 words for a 5 minutes speech. A fast speaker will need 850 words for the same speech length. A slow speaker will only need 550 words.

Is this a word count calculator?  

The speech calculator is a word count calculator. Insert your text and the tool will automatically calculate the word count.  It will then also calculate the speech length depending on the selected talking speed.

How to best select the right speaking speed?

Fast, average or slow? The answer depends on the speaker, the speech type and the speech setting.

The speaking speed of the speaker

Some speakers are natural fast or slow speakers. The best speakers keep a variance during their speeches. They speed up to keep momentum and slow down to put special emphasis on other parts.

The speech type

The type of speech matters a lot in selecting the right speech speed. If you read the whole speech word for word from paper then your average speech speed will be lower. If you intend to use the written speech as speaker notes then your average speaking speed will be much higher.

The speech setting

An informal setting will have a faster average speaking speed compared to a more formal setting.

Keeping all three factors in mind you will able make a better judgement about selecting the right speech speed in the speech calculator.

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Convert Words to Time

Calculate how long it will take to read a speech or presentation

Enter the word count of your speech below to see how long it will take you to read. Estimate the number of minutes based on a slow, average, or fast speaking pace.

Number of words

Reading speed, common conversions (average speed).

Convert Speech Words to Minutes

How long will my speech be? Use the calculator below to convert your words to minutes. 1) Enter the number of words your speech is. 2) Choose your speaking style/speed 3) Find your speech length.

The following table below provides an indication of the minutes for a speech (based on an average reading speed of 125 words per minute):

• How many words are in 1 minute speech? 125 words
• How many words are in 2 minute speech? 250 words
• How many words are in 3 minute speech? 375 words
• How many words are in 4 minute speech? 500 words
• How many words are in 5 minute speech? 625 words
• How many words are in 10 minute speech? 1,250 words
• How many words are in 15 minute speech? 1,875 words
• How many words are in 20 minute speech? 2,500 words
• How many words are in 30 minute speech? 3,750 words
• How long does a 500 word speech take? 4.0 minutes
• How long does a 1000 word speech take? 8.0 minutes
• How long does a 1250 word speech take? 10.0 minutes
• How long does a 1500 word speech take? 12.0 minutes
• How long does a 1750 word speech take? 14.0 minutes
• How long does a 2000 word speech take? 16.0 minutes
• How long does a 2500 word speech take? 20.0 minutes
• How long does a 3000 word speech take? 24.0 minutes
• How long does a 4000 word speech take? 32.0 minutes

Welcome to our conversion tool - Words to Minutes! We are here to help estimate the duration of any speech for conventions, zoom calls, weddings, special celebrations, business presentations, graduations, classroom demonstrations, performances, you name it. Use the Convert Speech Words to Minutes calculator to better prepare yourself for your next presentation.

How to use Convert Speech Words to Minutes

• Enter Word Count: Enter the number of words in your speech. You can find your word count by copying and pasting your speech in Wordcounter.net or Google Docs. In Google Docs go to TOOLS --> Word Count to see how many words.
• Choose Speed of Speaker: Choose your speaker pace from the options available: slow speaker, average speed speaker or fast speaker.

Make sure to choose your speech speed as it can have a major impact on your timing. Remember you will likely speak fast at times, and slow as well. Thus, average is typically a good indicator as to how long your speech or presentation will take. Whether you are making a wedding speech or giving a business presentation, this conversion of words into minutes should hold true.

Now you have an idea of how many minutes your speech will take to deliver, and can make any modifications if necessary. Also be sure to add time for audience participation if your speech calls for that.

Why should I use the Convert Speech Words to Minutes?

Do you know how many minutes are in a 5-minute speech, or maybe how long does a 2000 word speech take?

Using the words to minutes converter tool is crucial while preparing for a speech or presentation, especially when you are given limited time to convey your message and wrap up your ideas. Although the time may vary according to the delivery speed of each individual, converting words to minutes is a good indication of the length of your content and if it is suitable for the time frame you were given. That is how you know if you should work on your content length. Keep in mind that according to the National Center for Voice and Speech , the average rate of conversational talk in the US is around 150 words per minute (wpm), which means that balancing content, the number of words and reading speed does matter when preparing your speech.

How to craft an outstanding speech

Whether you are preparing content for a speech presentation for a business meeting, a graduation celebration of a wedding, the content does matter. While speaking in public does require a good amount of confidence, when you prepare yourself in advance, you will empower yourself with tools that will assure you are ready for it. With your speech, your main goal is to engage with your audience, catch their attention and delivery a message that will convey your idea in a clear and effective way. Here are some tips to help:

• Write using the first person. Use a conversational tone.
• Start by briefly introducing yourself.
• Prepare a striking outline/opening statement.
• Construe your speech in structural steps.
• Start with a topic sentence in every paragraph.
• Do not feel too shy to express your honest opinion.
• Practicing ahead of time will help tremendously. It helps with confidence, knowing the material, comfortability, and much more. This is our top tip!

In order to engage with your audience, try to include personal stories, share your personal experiences and do not feel constrained to share your personal opinion. Good luck, you got this!

What do you think about our Convert Speech Words to Minutes tool? Was it helpful? We want to hear from you.

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Convert words to time

Word per minute speech

Enter the number of words in the box below to find out how many minutes it will take you to give your speech.

Word Counter

Paste your text here to find out the word count

Word Count: 0

Online Stopwatch

Time your speech on a timer for the actual time it takes you to deliver your speech, practice.

Our tool comes in handy when you are preparing for a speech or creating a presentation. The length of your speech depends on the amount of text and your speaking or reading speed.

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Replace the sample text with a speech of your own. The word count will be calculated in the field below. The word count can only be changed by changing the text.

Enter a target word count if your content is limited to a certain number of words. Edit your speech until the actual word count matches your target word count. (This field doesn't calculate anything; it's just an optional place for you to keep the target word count handy.)

The Speech Time Calculator will determine the duration of your speech based on the word count and the speed of delivery.

Change the delivery speed to suit your speaking style. The default value of 120 words-per-minute accommodates pauses and audience interaction. 100–150 WPM is comfortable. 150–160 WPM is the upper range where speakers can comfortably vocalize words. Auctioneers sometimes speak 250–400 WPM but that's a freak show! Slight adjustments in delivery speed will help shrink or fill a speech of a given word count to fit the time allotted.

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• How many words per minute in a speech

How many words per minute in a speech?

A quick guide for slow, average and fast rates of speech.

By:  Susan Dugdale  

If you're preparing a speech or presentation with a strict time limit it’s useful to have an estimate of the number of words you’ll need to fit the number of minutes you've been given.

And it's even more useful to have those guidelines before you rush into writing, only to discover when you’re done, you’ve written far too much. Something I used to do on a regular basis! (And then, I had the tedious job of pruning to fit.)

What's on this page:

How many words are there in a 1-minute speech, how many words are there in a 2-minute speech, how many words are there in a 3-minute speech, how many words are there in a 4-minute speech, how many words are there in a 5-minute speech, how many words are there in a 6-minute speech, how many words are there in a 7-minute speech, how many words are there in an 8-minute speech, how many words are there in a 9-minute speech, how many words are there in a 10-minute speech, how many words are there in a 15-minute speech, how many words are there in a 20-minute speech, how many words are there in a 25-minute speech, how many words are there in a 30-minute speech.

• How to calculate your own speech rate: 2 easy methods
• How many pages is a 4, 7 or 20-minute speech?     

About this quick reference guide

The following table (below) shows the average number of words spoken per minute for speeches from 1 to 30 minutes long. It's a quick reference guide: one only intended to provide general information.

Who, and what, is truly average?

An average word count for any timed speech (one minute, two minutes, three, four, five, six...or more, minutes) is impossible to give. As there really is no such thing as an average person, who uses an average rate of words per minute when they speak.

We are individuals: each of us different. Speech patterns and speech (speaking) rates vary considerably between person to person for a great many reasons. The best you’ll ever get is an educated guess.

Use as an estimate: test yourself to be sure

That aside, the following estimates will give you a handy indication of the number of minutes it takes to say x number of words depending on whether you talk at a slow speed, a medium speed or you're one of the world's fast talkers.

(And, no, it's never a good idea to gabble at a mile a minute to fit everything you've prepared into the length of time you've been given!)

To be absolutely sure what you've done will fit the time allocation you've been given it's a good idea to test yourself to establish your own speaking rate or speed of speech .

How many pages is a 'x' minute speech?

Multiple variations on the question how many pages are needed for a speech are frequently asked. For instance:

• How many pages is a 4-minute speech?
• How many pages is a 7-minute speech?
• How many pages is a 20-minute presentation?

Unfortunately, the answer is not simple. Calculating the number of A4 pages of text you need for a speech of any number of minutes long is tricky for two reasons.

How many words are on an A4 page?

The first reason is that the number of words on an A4 page depends on how the page has been formatted. The answers to the questions below make a very big difference to the total number of pages needed to print a speech.

• What is the font family being used? (Different fonts take up differing amounts of space because of the shape/design of their characters.)  
• What is the size of the font? (The font size you're reading right now is 20px.)
• What is the spacing between each of the letters in a word?
• What is the spacing between each line of text? Is it single spacing, 1.5 or double line spacing?
• What spacing has been set for paragraphs?
• What size have the margins of the page been set at?
• Are there headings? Sub-headings or lists?

On average if the font is plain, (sans-serif, without embellishment), like Arial or Verdana, its size is set for 12px, and the line spacing is set for 1.5, then a page may have between 400-500 words on it.

Speech rate changes how we calculate the number of words we need

The second reason why using the number of pages to gauge how long a speech will take to deliver is problematical is because we speak at different rates. 

A 500-word page may take someone speaking at very slow rate 4 minutes to get through.

Another person, who has a much faster speaking rate, may take about 2.5 minutes to deliver exactly the same text.

Using the number of pages as a guide for a speech that has to fit a time limit is completely unreliable.

If you need to use a 'guesstimate' use the speech rate table below. Forget about counting the pages! 

If you are a slow speaker, less than 120 words.

If you speak at an average speed between: 120 - 160 words.

If you are a fast speaker between: 160 - 200 words.

If you are a slow speaker less than 240 words.

If you speak at an average speed between: 240 - 320 words.

If you are a fast speaker between: 320 - 400 words.

If you are a slow speaker less than 360 words.

If you speak at an average speed between: 360 – 480 words.

If you are a fast speaker between: 480 - 600 words.

If you are a slow speaker less than 480 words.

If you speak at an average speed between: 480 – 640 words.

If you are a fast speaker between: 640 - 800 words.

If you are a slow speaker less than 600 words,

If you speak at an average speed between: 600 – 760 words.

If you are a fast speaker between: 760 - 1000 words.

If you are a slow speaker less than 720 words.

If you speak at an average speed between: 720 – 960 words.

If you are a fast speaker between: 960 - 1200 words.

If you are a slow speaker less than 840 words.

If you speak at an average speed between: 840 – 1120 words.

If you are a fast speaker between: 1120 - 1400 words.

If you are a slow speaker less than 960 words.

If you speak at an average speed between: 960 – 1280 words.

If you are a fast speaker between: 1280 - 1600 words.

If you are a slow speaker less than 1080 words.

If you speak at an average speed between: 1080 – 1440 words.

If you are a fast speaker between: 1440 - 1800 words.

If you are a slow speaker a little less than 1200 words.

If you speak at an average speed between: 1200 – 1600 words.

If you are a fast speaker between: 1600 - 2000 words.

If you are a slow speaker, a little less than 1,800 words.

If you speak at an average speed between: 1,800 - 2,400 words.

If you are a fast speaker between: 2,400 - 3,000 words.

If you are a slow speaker, a little less than 2,400 words.

If you speak at an average speed between: 2,400 - 3,200 words.

If you are a fast speaker between: 3,200 - 4,000 words.

If you are a slow speaker, a little less than 3,000 words.

If you speak at an average speed between: 3,000 - 4,000 words.

If you are a fast speaker between: 4,000 - 5,000 words.

If you are a slow speaker, a little less than 3,600 words.

If you speak at an average speed between: 3,600 - 4,800 words.

If you are a fast speaker between: 4,800 - 6,000 words.

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Find out more about speech rate

• How to calculate your own words per minute speech rate - two easy methods
• The factors influencing a faster rate or slower rate of speech
• How to develop an ideal rate of speech : one matching content, speech purpose and your audience: six exercises for flexible speaking rate

Words per minute calculator

Lastly here's the link to a useful online words per minutes calculator . Once you've completed your speech enter the total number of words, and select whether you want it to give you an average for a minute of your speech at a slow rate, average or fast rate. Again, it's a 'guesstimate'. ☺

The only really safe way to find out whether your speech fits your time allocation is to say it aloud at an ideal rate or pace: one taking into account the content, and the audience who is going to listen to it, while timing it.

(Use the record function on your phone. It will assist in lots of other ways too! You'll hear where you need more vocal variety, where your pronunciation is blurred ...and, so on. It's super helpful.)

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Free Online Words to Minutes Calculator

How long should your 5 minutes speech be? How many words should your essay be to take 5 minutes reading?

To find an answer, you need words to minutes calculator. IvyPanda Experts prepared this post, where you will find 10 free words to minutes converters, find out how to measure your speaking rate, and how long your X-minute speech has to be.

🏆 Top 10 Free Words to Minutes Converter

🎤 how long does a 4-minute speech have to be, ⏱ how to measure your speech length, 1. speech in minutes.

This is a free-to-use speech calculator to measure how long it takes to deliver your speech. To use this tool, you need to enter the word count and choose the reading speed: from slow (100 words per minute) to fast (160 words per minute). No registration is needed.

2. Words to Time

Words To Time as an ad-free text to speech calculator that will provide you with the number of minutes immediately. You can type the number of words you want to convert or paste your text and grab the result. Don’t forget to pick up the reading speed!

3. The Word Finder

This is a free speech length estimator. No sign-up, no ads, or captcha. Type the word count, choose speaking speed, and grab the result immediately. There are also available various cool apps like Font Generators, Backwards Text Converter, Time Calc, etc.

4. EdgeStudio

Edge Studio, the voice recording company, developed a free online script timer. Depending on the data available, you can put the words count, paste your text, or type the average words per line. You will get a result instantly after you click the button “Submit.” On the tab “Statistics,” you can find out stats about reading speed, word, and line count.

5. Copywritely

At this website, you can measure the time of reading your text within a couple of clicks using its words to minutes calculator. Paste your text, and at the bottom of the field, you will see the word count and the approximate speech time.

The tool is available in English, Russian, French, German, Spanish, Portuguese, and Dutch. Also, there are available Grammar Checker, Alphabetizer, Words to Pages, and other apps that will become handy for any writing purpose.

6. Read-O-Meter

Read-O-Meter is a simple and hassle-free word to minutes calculator to estimate the reading time. All you have to do is just type or paste the text you want to calculate the speech or article length and press the button “Estimate Reading Time.”

7. TheVoice Realm

This speech length calculator was designed by the online voice casting company. To use it, you need to paste your text or the word count and find out the estimated time. The page also contains background information about the speaking speed and how many minutes in 300, 900, and more words.

To use the Words to Time Conversion tool, you need to know the word count of your text. To get the estimated speech time, you need to type the number of words and adjust reading or speaking time, and you will get an immediate result. The tool is free and contains no ads.

9. Debatrix

This is another ad-free word to minute speech calculator to find out how long your speech will take. To measure the estimated time, you need to paste the text. The online app will count the number of words and speech duration.

10. TextConverter

The website provides plenty of tools that will be useful for students, SEO specialists, and writers.

Choose the text type: speech or locution, reading rhythm, and get the estimated time for your project. The app also will count the number of words and characters.

On the website, you can also find other utilities: Text Randomizer, Upper and Lower Case converters, E-mails Extractor, Hashtags, etc. The site is available in English and Portuguese languages.

Why do we need to measure the reading or speaking time?

There can be a variety of reasons. For example, you should prepare a 5-minute speech, or your post should not exceed 10 minutes of reading.

Speaking or reading time depends on the person who is going to read the text. Below, you will find a table that will help you quickly determine the duration of the content. The table is divided into two parts. The first one gives you reference information of minutes to words conversion. The second one shows the inverse correlation.

This table provides only the estimated information. The actual speech duration depends on your speaking pace, pauses, and so on. Below you will find out what impacts and how to measure your speaking rate.

Keep reading!

In this post, we will share with you how to measure how long your speech will be. Also, you will find out what impacts your speaking pace and how to practice it.

Determine the Word Count

First things first, so let’s determine the number of words you want to turn to minutes. If you use the Microsoft Word or Open Office, you will find out the word count on the status bar at the bottom of the screen.

In Google Docs, you can click Tools>>Word Count, or use the shortcut CTRL+SHIFT+C. If you use other word processors, refer to the help system of the tool.

Determine the Speech Pace

If you don’t know how many words you speak per minute, there are a couple of options to find out it. Check them below!

Use the sample text. Here is how it works: take your sample text, start the timer, and begin reading it aloud. When the minute is up, use your word processing app to figure out how many words you read. This will be your speed of speech.

Record yourself. Another way to find out your speaking pace is to record your speech. Set a timer for a minute, read any text, or talk about any topic while recording it. Then, listen to it and count the words you spoke. You can count it manually or use the software, for example, IBM Speech to Text calculator .

What Impacts Your Speaking Rate?

The speaking rate is individual. There are many factors that influence it. Here are some of them:

• Pauses, and rhetorical devices. The more it has, the slower your speaking rate will be.
• Condition of the speaker. If you’re angry, excited, or in a hurry, you will probably speak faster than usual. On the other hand, when you are tired, it makes it harder to speak quickly.
• Urgency. Here’s the deal: in emergencies, we are more likely will speak quicker than in a calm environment.
• Mental issues. Some mental conditions may lead to a slower or faster speech rate.
• Audience and event. For example, if you are recording audio for a radio ad, you will speak faster, since you are limited by the time. Another example is when you are trying to explain the complicated term to students. More likely, you will slow down your speech. During the presentation, you can also make pauses while changing the slides or checking your notes.
• Environment. Yes, your background directly impacts your speaking pace: your dialect, family, culture, friends, and neighbors, etc.
• Words and content complexity. The long and complex words also impact your speaking pace, making it slower. The same can be said about complex content—it requires more time to deliver it to the audience. Remember about this if you are limited by time.
• Language. Depending on the language you speak, your speaking rate will vary. In 2011, the University of Lyon researchers asked volunteers to read twenty texts in their native languages: English, German, French, Spanish, Mandarin, Japanese, and Italian. The purpose of studies was to find out how the density of syllables impacts the rate of communication.

Here’s what they found: the Mandarin language is the slowest one, with 5.18 syllables per second. However, it has the highest information density. The fastest language is Japanese, with its 7.84 syllables per second rate. English language speaking rate is 6.19 syllables per second.

Another interesting fact about the speaking rate is the world record shattered by Steve Woodmore . He articulates 637 words in one minute!

If you are wondering about the average speaking rates, check the table below:

Source: National Center for Voice and Speech

But what about reading? Is the reading pace the same as speaking?

On average, people read 180-300 words per minute. However, speed readers can read 1000+ words per minute.

How to Practice Your Speaking Rate?

You might have met people called a motor-mouth — they speak too fast, and words seem rocket out from their mouths. Others, on the opposite, speak too slowly. You can compare them with sloths from the movie Zootopia:

Both these cases can be fun for a while. However, the too fast and too slow speech will make the listeners lose their interest.

The solution is to practice your speaking rate, making it flexible, and adapting to your audience’s needs.

Below, you will find five easy exercises that will help you to develop a flexible speaking rate:

Read children’s books aloud.

Here’s the deal: when you read stories to a child, you might notice that some passages require you to speak faster, while others must be read at a slow pace.

Read a story several times aloud to become familiar with the text and its passages. If it is possible, record yourself. Then, try reading the text and change the pace. Listen to the records to hear the differences. Think of how the speaking rate impacts the comprehension of the text.

Read scientific reports.

You may find this exercise boring, but yet it will be helpful for delivering complex things in your future speeches.

First, pick up the newspaper or magazine. For example, you can try a Science magazine website — there are plenty of interesting topics, reports, and articles to discover. After you select the report, read it silently to familiarize yourself with the material. The next step is to read it aloud (don’t forget about recording yourself!), noting which parts of the text should be read at a slow pace, and which — faster.

You can extend this exercise and image that you read the article to someone who knows nothing about this topic. Listen to the records and pay attention to the changes you made.

Read your own class speeches.

Make a series of experiments with one of your old class speeches. First, record it delivering the speech at your normal speaking pace. Check the time it took to deliver.

The next step is to mark down some passages to read at slower and others — at a faster rate. Now, read it aloud again while adhering to the marks. Listen to the records; note how changed the time and overall speech comprehension.

Listen to various speakers.

Watch the movie, listen to the news on TV, and watch the classical play. Compare the speech rates of the speakers. You will notice the rhetorical devices they use and how effective their speech is. Then, experiment with your own speech and see how it changes.

Read texts you are familiar with.

Read the text you already know at a quicker or slower pace than usual. Record yourself and play it back. Note the places where your speaking rate was effective and where it wasn’t. Then, mark these places and reread the text again, implementing these changes and recording yourself. See how your speech has changed.

These simple exercises will help you to produce effective speeches for various audiences.

There are a couple of things you need to remember when you speak:

• Fast speaking indicates urgency, passion, and emotions. If you want to stimulate and excite the attention of your listeners, speak quickly. However, you should remember that after a couple of minutes of listening to fast speech, it becomes overwhelming.
• Slow speaking, on the other hand, indicates the seriousness of your point, its importance. Use this approach to grab the attention of your audience. The slow pace also will help them to easier process the information you want to deliver. Similar to fast speaking, too slow pace in your entire speech also can overwhelm and bore your listeners.

How to Make the Speech Memorable

Pace yourself to highlight the most important parts of the speech, and your audience will memorize what you said. The key to any great speech is the retention of the audience. Check the IvyPanda expert advice to make your talks memorable :

• Tell stories. Interesting examples not only illustrate your speech but also help listeners to recall what you said. Humor and short stories from your life will also help you to grab the attention of your audience. Important notice: tell only relevant ones and don’t overuse them.
• Use pauses and breaks. Just like a novel is broken into chapters and paragraphs, pauses in your speech serve as a signal of the end of one point and transition to another.

Use simple and short sentences and phrases. Short sentences and simple language will help you to maximize the engagement and comprehension of your audience. Avoid complex words unless you are talking about specific tech terms in front of the professionals in this sphere.

• Engage your audience with questions. At the beginning of the speech, ask your audience a question or two. This method will give them a hook and grab their attention.
• Review your speech after you wrote it. Check if everything is clear. Rehearse it in various rates and note places where you need to speed up your speech and where to slow it down.

Now you know how to find out the length of your speech, have all the tools to convert words to minutes, and advice on how to practice your speaking rate. Don’t forget to check our other tools to write outstanding speeches.

Updated: Oct 25th, 2023

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When you are working on a 5-minute speech, you may want to know how many words you should write. This page contains links to 10 free online words to minutes converters. Here you will also find tips on how to measure your speaking rate and how to make your speech memorable.

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How Many Words Should Be in My Speech? (Based on Number of Minutes)

Crafting a speech? Typically, individuals speak at 125-200 words per minute. For instance, a 5-minute speech is about 625-1000 words. Keep this pace in mind to tailor your speech’s length to your time limit. Familiarity and nerves can also influence speed.

You can use our handy guide to find out how many words should be in your speech, based on the number of minutes you have to speak. We will also discuss the ideal word count for different lengths of speeches. Let’s get started!

At a Glance:

• Average speaking rate is 125-200 words per minute.
• Word count for a 5-minute speech is typically 625-1000 words.
• Speaking speed varies based on personal style, familiarity, and nerves.
• Several factors influence the ideal word count for a given speech duration.
• Regular rehearsal ensures effective speech delivery.

Speech Duration vs. Word Count

Estimating speaking time for a manuscript, factors affecting the word count in your timed speech, number of words based on the number of minutes.

The average person speaks at a rate of about 125 to 200 words per minute, but this can vary depending on your natural speaking style and the context of your speech. Other factors like how well you know your material and how nervous you are can also affect your speaking rate.

When it comes to speeches, many people worry about how many words they should use per minute. The truth is, there is no specific number. However, knowing the average word count for different speech lengths can help you plan and pace your words more effectively.

Here is a breakdown of the average word counts for speeches of different lengths.

To simplify things, let’s look at word counts for standard time intervals:

1-minute speech: 125 – 200 words 5-minute speech: 625 – 1000 words 10-minute speech: 1250 – 2000 words 15-minute speech: 1875 – 3000 words 20-minute speech: 2500 – 4000 words 30-minute speech: 3750 – 6000 words 45-minute speech: 5625 – 9000 words 60-minute (or 1-hour) speech: 7500 – 12000 words

For intermediate minutes, you can use the average rate of 125-200 wpm to estimate.

If you have a written speech or manuscript, you might be curious about its duration when spoken.

Here’s a quick guide based on word counts:

100 words: About 0.5 to 0.8 minutes 200 words: About 1 to 1.6 minutes 250 words: About 1.25 to 2 minutes 500 words: About 2.5 to 4 minutes (And so on, using the average speaking rate of 125-200 wpm.)

Several factors can impact how many words your speech should ideally have for a given time frame. Understanding these variables can help you deliver a presentation that’s both engaging and perfectly timed. Here’s a breakdown of these influential factors:

• Natural Speaking Rate: Every individual possesses a unique speaking pace. Some naturally express thoughts swiftly, clocking in around 200 words per minute or even faster. In contrast, others may speak more deliberately, averaging around 125 words per minute. This inherent rhythm greatly influences the word count of a speech for a given time frame.
• Audience Demographic: Your audience’s age, background, and familiarity with the topic can dictate the speed at which you should present. For example, a technical presentation for industry experts might proceed faster than one for novices, even if the word count remains consistent.

• Topic Complexity: More intricate or challenging subjects demand a slower pace to ensure comprehension. In such cases, even if the speech’s duration is lengthy, the word count might be on the lower side to accommodate pauses and explanations.
• Use of Visual Aids: Incorporating slides, charts, or videos can mean fewer words spoken. Visual elements often require pauses, allowing the audience to process the information visually rather than just auditorily.
• Nervousness: Unsurprisingly, nervousness can speed up one’s delivery. A speaker might rush through their material when anxious, resulting in a higher word count in a shorter time frame.

Crafting a speech that’s both engaging and appropriately timed is an art. While the word count provides a framework, considering the factors above ensures your speech is not just well-timed, but also effective. As you prepare, always prioritize clarity, engagement, and resonance with your audience over sticking rigidly to word counts.

It’s important to know how many words your speech should be so that you can plan and structure it accordingly. We hope this guide will help you determine the number of minutes your speech should be based on the number of words. Keep in mind that this is just a general guideline, and you may need more or less time depending on your content.

So use this as a starting point, and then adjust as needed. And most importantly, practice, practice, practice! The more you run through your speech beforehand, the smoother it will go when you’re up in front of an audience. Thanks for reading!

Related Posts:

Words to Minutes Calculator

Convert words to minutes to find out the time of your speech or text reading

Paste a text

Paste a content for which you want to calculate reading or speaking time.

Choose a speed of speech

Set how many words per minute you usually read or pronounce.

Evaluate a result

Get instant result with forecast of time period your speech will take.

Fix content issues

Take time on fixing grammar and readability issues to make your speech clear.

What’s inside?

Plagiarism checker

If you are interested to make your speech unique, use duplicate content checker to detect the parts of content that are copied from other websites.

Keyword density checker

Sometimes keyword stuffing can spoil a speech. Keyword density tool will show what words are used the most often in your speech and replace them with synonyms.

Article rewriter

Online editor inside helps to get a list of highlighted issues, fix them instantly and make your content easy to understand.

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Updated on May 17, 2024

Words to Time Calculator

Words to time calculator is online tool that convert words to time in minutes. It can be used to calculate speech time or convert words into time.

Enter Number of Words or paste text for auto-counting

Reading speed

Words to Speech Time Conversion (average speed)

What is Words to Time Converter

The words to time converter is a calculator that helps users find the speed at which they recognize and form words while communicating with others. The platform works on a standard formula that enables you to find the words per minute conveniently.

Whether it’s about solving the speed in typing or speaking, or reading, one can easily calculate the exact value using this tool. For calculating the words per Minute here, all you have to do is, simply enter number of words or paste text for auto word counter and select speed to get speech time instantly. Once you have successfully entered all the values in the provided space very carefully, the words-to-minutes calculator will automatically display the speech time in minutes for you.

This words to time calculator has following reading speed options:

• Slow: 100 words per minute
• Average:  130 words per minute
• Fast: 160 words per minute.

Words to time converter is a fundamental tool designed to assist people looking forward to converting the number of words into the time taken to deliver your speech. The tool is available online and offline, making it easier for people to prepare their speeches or presentations effectively. The number of minutes required for the address depends upon the number of words and speed of vocabulary or reading.

How to Convert Words to Time

To convert words to time in minutes, follow below steps:

• Enter number of words or paste text for auto counting words in text.
• Select reading speed for speech from slow, average and fast options.
• Now, words to time converter displays speech time in minutes instantly.

Words to Pages Converter

Numbers to Words Converter

Characters to Words Converter

Words To Speech Time Calculator

Speech Time Conversion for fast reading speed

Have you ever thought about how many words you must have in your speech to make it perfect? Finding out the number of words to speak per Minute to ensure that your audience will follow up your speed is quite hard.

Although these questions seem entirely pointless, they can prove advantageous in different situations. This Words to speech time in minutes converter can be your best friend and offer excellent assistance anytime.

Writing a speech is a bit of a challenging task. Ideally, one needs to consider the different factors to put things on the platform. When considering essentials for the address, time is a primary concern that comes forward. Interest, knowledge, attitude, and quality are the few things that push the audience to stay connected with your speech till the end. The length of the address is something that also needs to be considered to put on a positive impact on the audience.

So, guys! You have learned how to use words to the minute converter on your device successfully. It is a beautiful tool whose integration has made it easier for users to conveniently find their reading and speaking speed.

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WORDS TO TIME CALCULATOR

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Hearing what you wrote will improve your speech, video, newscast and more BEFORE you deliver. 

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Free Script Timer - Words to Time Calculator

Word Timer is a free and easy-to-use script timer and word-to-time calculator that estimates the length of your script at your reading speed.

Understanding Script Timer or Word Timer

Content creation demands precision, effectiveness, and engagement. One tool that stands out in achieving these goals is the Script Timer . This blog post delves into the essence of a Script Timer, exploring its utility and relevance in various professional contexts. 

What is a Script Timer or Word Timer?

A Script Timer is a tool designed to estimate the duration of reading a script aloud. This tool is invaluable in various fields including broadcasting, radio, podcasting, video production, and public speaking. It ensures that your script aligns with time constraints and maintains audience engagement.

Role of Script Timers in Businesses

• Precision in Advertising : In marketing and advertising, every second counts. A Script Timer helps in crafting advertisements that convey the message within the designated time slot, maximizing impact and cost-efficiency.
• Efficiency in Video Production : Timing is crucial for content creators in the digital space, such as Vidyard . A Script Timer assists in scripting concise, impactful videos that retain viewer attention.
• Enhancing Public Speaking : Whether it’s a business presentation or a keynote speech, a Script Timer, as discussed in Top 10 Presentations: The Power of a Great Speech , is a vital tool for pacing and delivering impactful speeches.

The Technical Side of Script Timers

Understanding the mechanism of a Script Timer involves acknowledging its algorithm, which analyzes the number of words and the average speaking rate. This is where tools like Word Timer come into play, offering an easy-to-use platform for timing scripts.

In scriptwriting, timing is as crucial as the content. A Script Timer, as elaborated on Script Writing , assists writers in balancing dialogue and narrative, ensuring the script fits the intended duration.

With the advent of AI and advanced algorithms, Script Timers have evolved. They now offer more accurate estimations, adapting to various speaking styles and complexities in language.

The Business Value of Script Timers

In conclusion, a Script Timer is more than just a timing tool; it’s an essential asset in the arsenal of content creators, marketers, and speakers. Its ability to marry precision with creativity makes it indispensable in crafting impactful, audience-tailored content. In an age where time is a valuable commodity, a Script Timer ensures your message is not just heard, but also felt, within the right period.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

A word timer is a tool that calculates the time required to read a piece of text based on its word count. It helps writers plan and deliver content within specific time limits, ensuring effective time management and audience engagement.

A word timer uses an average reading speed to estimate the time it takes to read a specific number of words. The reading speed may vary depending on factors such as the complexity of the text and the reader’s familiarity with the subject matter.

The length of your script can vary depending on the number of words it contains and the reading speed you assign to it. By using a script timer or a word timer with script functionality, you can input the word count of your script and obtain an estimated running time. This estimation helps you understand the duration of your script and allows for effective planning and performance.

Absolutely! Word timers are valuable for scriptwriters as well. By estimating the running time of a script based on its word count, writers can effectively plan scenes and dialogues, ensuring a balanced and coherent storyline.

To determine the length of your script, you can use a word timer tool specifically designed for scripts. By entering the total number of words in your script, the tool will calculate the estimated running time, helping you plan and pace your script effectively.

Keyword density refers to the frequency or the number of times a specific keyword appears in a piece of content, in relation to the total number of words in that content. It is often expressed as a percentage. For instance, if a keyword appears 10 times in a 1000-word article, the keyword density would be 1%.

Keyword density tables analyze the frequency and distribution of keywords within your text. They are particularly useful for search engine optimization (SEO), allowing writers to optimize their content for better visibility and relevance in online searches.

Yes, word counters and character counters are essential writing tools. Word counters help writers set goals, track progress, and adhere to specific word count requirements. Character counters promote concise writing and help avoid unnecessary verbosity.

Sentence and paragraph counters offer insights into the structure and flow of your writing. By monitoring sentence and paragraph length, you can ensure clarity and readability, enhancing the overall quality of your content.

The reading speed used by word timers is typically set to an average value. However, some word timers may offer the flexibility to adjust the reading speed based on personal preferences or specific reading scenarios.

Words To Time Converter

Estimate how many minutes your speeches, presentations, and voice-over scripts will take based on your words per minute rate!

Words per Minute: 183

How To Convert Words to Minutes Using This Tool?

If you have a certain number of words or a piece of text you want to time, you can either type in the word count or paste the text into the provided area. This tool will then calculate how long it would take to read that text out loud.

The talk time estimate is calculated using the average speaking speed of adults, which is determined to be 183 words per minute based on scientific studies. If you’re interested in how long it would take to read silently, it’s estimated at 238 words per minute ( This data is also backed by research )

You can adjust the slider to change the words per minute value, which will affect the talk time estimate. However, the silent reading time estimate remains fixed at 238 words per minute. 

For ease of use, we’ve also provided reference points for slow, average, and fast reading rates below the slider.

To begin anew, simply click the ‘clear text’ button to erase the content and restore the slider back to its original setting of 183.

I. Who is This Words to Minutes Converter Tool For?

If you are a student wondering how long is my essay or you’ve been tasked with writing a speech and need to know how many words to aim for and how many minutes will it take to deliver or perhaps you are a podcaster, just starting out, who wants the ability to easily synchronize music and spoken word without having to painstakingly calculate seconds between them, then this words to time converter (or speech time calculator-you may call it if you are a public speaker) is precisely for you! 

From now on, instead of spending long hours in front of the computer trying to figure out how many seconds it takes for one phrase or section of dialogue to end and another to begin, you can let our innovative tool do all the work and convert your text to time quickly and accurately. With this powerful tool at your disposal, whether you’re giving a TED talk or just need to nail a business presentation, your life will become a little bit easier.

So keep reading to learn more about what this fantastic words to minutes converter has in store for public speakers, aspiring students, and professional radio producers alike!

Whether you want to read the text silently or speak aloud, you can use this tool as both:

• Reading time calculator
• Talk time calculator

II.I Explanation of the Reading Time

Reading time refers to the duration it takes for an average person to read a written text silently while still comprehending its content. Based on an extensive analysis of 190 studies that involved 18,573 participants , research conducted by Marc Brysbaert in 2019 suggests that the typical silent reading speed for an adult individual is approximately 238 words per minute .

To convert word count to read time for a specific text, you can do so by dividing the total word count of the text by this established value of 238. Here is the mathematical equation for determining the duration of reading time in minutes:

Reading Time = Total Word Count / 238

II.II Explanation of the Speech Time

Speech time refers to the duration it takes for an average person to read a text out loud. Based on data from 77 studies involving 5,965 people , it’s been found that most adults read aloud at a speed of approximately 183 words per minute ( research conducted by Marc Brysbaert in 2019 ). To figure out how long it will take to read a specific piece of text aloud, you can divide the total number of words in the text by this average rate of 183 words per minute.

Of course, it’s important to note that talk time can vary depending on factors such as clarity of speech, pauses for emphasis, and use of visual aids. However, using this tool for converting the number of words to minutes can still provide a helpful guideline for planning and practicing your presentation. By having a better understanding of speech rates, you can ensure that your message is delivered effectively and efficiently.

III. Benefits of Using a Words to Time Converter

Time management in presentations.

Effective time management during presentations is crucial to ensure the audience remains engaged and the information is accurately conveyed. This is where our speaking time converter comes in handy. By using this tool, presenters can easily determine how many words they need to include in their presentation to stay within the allotted time frame.

Not only does it help with time management, but it also ensures that the pacing of the presentation is consistent, making it easier for the audience to follow. With the use of this tool, presenters can confidently deliver their presentations without the worry of running over time or rushing through it.

Estimated speech time for public speaking

Public speaking can be nerve-wracking, especially when you have too little or too much information to fill your time slot. You wonder only if there were an accurate public speaking time calculator available so that you could be able to allocate the appropriate amount of time to each section of your presentation, ensuring that you cover all the necessary points without rushing or going over time. 

Effective pacing is key in ensuring your message is delivered with clarity and impact.

Most public speakers target an average of 130-150 words per minute for their spoken content, meaning you should aim to limit your speaking time to roughly one minute per 130-150 words. While this may take some practice to achieve, the end result is a confident, well-timed delivery that keeps your audience engaged from start to finish.

Remember, in public speaking, less is often more—take your time to breathe and emphasize key points. Your audience will appreciate your thoughtful and measured approach. For that, you can use this tool and adjust your words to speech time.

Accurate estimations for audiobooks and podcasts

As more and more people turn to audiobooks and podcasts for their entertainment and information needs, accurate estimations of listening time have become more important than ever. After all, there’s nothing worse than settling in for a quick listen only to find yourself trapped in a story that goes on for hours longer than you anticipated.

That’s why it’s great to see publishers and podcast producers taking estimated reading time seriously, providing listeners with the information they need to choose the right content for their schedule. Whether you’re looking for a quick listen on your daily commute or a lengthy distraction for a lazy Sunday afternoon, accurate estimations using this speaking time calculator make it easier than ever to find the perfect content.

IV. Some Popular Speech Times

V. Conclusion

As the world becomes more fast-paced, time is a precious commodity. Determining how long your script will take to read, whether for a presentation or a video, can make a significant difference in engaging and retaining your audience’s attention.

That’s where our Words to Time Converter comes in handy. It’s a valuable tool for anyone working in various professions, from broadcast journalists to teachers to executives. No matter the industry, time is of the essence, and knowing how long your speech or presentation will take is crucial for effective communication.

Words to Time Calculator

Explore our words to time calculator, a must-have tool for authors, narrators, and readers. Perfect for audiobook production and preparing presentations, it converts word counts into precise reading times. Adjust for different reading speeds to meet any audience's needs, ensuring your content fits your allotted time seamlessly.

Conversion Table (Average Speed)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is words to time calculator.

This tool helps you estimate how long it will take to read a given amount of text aloud. This can be useful for preparing speeches, presentations, or performances.

Can I use this tool to estimate the time it will take to read a book?

Yes, you can use this tool to estimate how long it might take to read a book aloud. Simply enter the total number of words in the text, and choose your reading speed.

Can I use this tool for fiction and non-fiction books?

Yes, you can use this words to time calculator to etimate the reading or production time for both fiction such as novels and non-fiction books such as self help books.

Is the words to time converter useful for audiobook creators?

Absolutely! This tool can help audiobook narrators and producers estimate the total narration time, which is crucial for planning recording sessions and budgeting time.

Is there a standard reading speed that I should aim for?

While average reading speeds are around 150-250 words per minute, there is no "ideal" speed. Your target speed should depend on your comprehension and comfort levels, as well as the purpose of your reading.

How can I estimate the length of an audiobook before it’s produced?

Use this tool to input the total word count of the manuscript to get an estimated duration of the audiobook, which can be useful for publishers and authors during the planning phase.

Convert Words To Time

Number of words

Reading speed

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What is a Words to Time Calculator?

A word to time calculator is a tool that helps voice actors or any other user estimate their speaking rate to the script related to the job they are completing or responding to. Mastering the number of words you will speak per minute will enable you to estimate the time it will take to read a script, guiding you in determining the correct price for the job.

However, the number of words you speak per minute may vary depending on the stylistic decisions. For example, if you are using an announcer read or the character you represent speaks in a relaxed voice. But this word-to-time calculator will get you into the proximity.

Our online homework helpers are ready to craft the right speech for you. Just fill in a few details and you are good to go.

What is Read Time?

Read time is the time you take to read a text or script silently while maintaining reading comprehension. According to research involving more than 18000 participants and 100's studies, the approximate words per minute for an average silent reading adult is 238 words.

How Do I Use This Word to Time Tool?

Enter the number of words in your script or paste in text from your document in the special box for auto counting.

Secondly, choose your reading speed. To get the exact or correct time, you have to choose your reading speed between slow, average, and fast, as it greatly impacts your timing.

The word to time tool will give you the exact time to read a specific document. Whether making a business presentation or a wedding speech, word conversion to time should be correct.

If you find your content is longer than expected, feel free to use our free summarizer tool to condense your content so it fits the time required.

Common Conversion (Average Speed)

Below is a preview of the result you should expect from our word-to-time converter assuming your reading speed is average.

• How long does it take to read 500 words? 3.8 minutes
• How long does it take to read 800 words? 6.2 minutes
• How long does it take to read 1000 words? 7.7 minutes
• How long does it take to read 1200 words? 9.2 minutes
• How long does it take to read 1500 words? 11.5 minutes
• How long does it take to read 1800 words? 13.8 minutes
• How long does it take to read 2000 words? 15.4 minutes
• How long does it take to read 3000 words? 23.1 minutes

If you need to know the number of pages in your speech, you can use the words to pages tool to determine the number of words.

• How many words are in a 1 minute speech? 125 words
• How many words are in a 2 minute speech? 250 words
• How many words are in a 3 minute speech? 375 words
• How many words are in a 4 minute speech? 500 words
• How many words are in a 5 minute speech? 625 words
• How many words are in a 10 minute speech? 1250 words
• How many words are in a 15 minute speech? 1875 words
• How many words are in a 20 minute speech? 2500 words
• How many words are in a 30 minute speech? 3750 words

Why should I Use the Convert Speech Words to Minutes?

Using the word to time calculator is vital while preparing for a presentation or speech , specifically when you have limited time to relay your message and conclude your ideas. Converting word to minute lets you know the length of your content and whether the time frame is enough. However, the time may vary depending on your delivery speed.

Knowing your content's minutes lets you decide if you should adjust your content length. When preparing your speech, you should balance the reading speed, the number of words, and the content.

How to Craft an Outstanding Speech?

The content of your speech is crucial whether you are making a wedding or graduation speech or a presentation for a business meeting. Public speaking requires you to be confident, prepare in advance and equip yourself with the necessary tool that helps you deliver your speech. The main aim of your speech is to catch your audience's attention, engage with them and convey a message that will deliver your ideas effectively and clearly. Follow the following tips when crafting your speech:

• Use the first person when writing and use a conversational tone.
• Briefly introduce yourself at the beginning of your speech.
• Prepare a striking open statement/outline.
• Analyze your speech in structural steps.
• Begin every paragraph with a topic sentence.
• Do not shy off from expressing your opinions.
• Practice your speech before delivering it. It will help you know the content and build your confidence and comfort.

Please share your experiences, including personal stories, and do not hesitate to share personal opinions, as it helps engage with your audience. If you are having challenges crafting your speech, you can engage speech writing services as you concentrate on other important matters.

Alternatively, you can use our speech generator tool to create content for your speech. It's fast easy and free!

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Words to Minutes Converter

Enter Number of words or paste text for auto-counting

Reading speed

Words to Minutes Speech Time Conversion (average speed)

Words to Minutes Converter or speech time calculator: Paste text or enter the word count below to estimate how many minutes it will take you to read or how long to give a speech.

Words to Minutes converter allows you to calculate speech time in minutes, hours and secconds. Copy Paste your text or enter number of words to get speech time in real time.

What is Words to Minutes Converter

Are you giving a speech, or reading something aloud? Do you need to know how long it will take to speak a certain number of words? Are you dictating a paper, an article, or a book and want to know how many minutes it will take to meet a desired word count? Use the above calculator to convert words to minutes based on a slow, average and fast paces reading speed.

How to Convert Words to Minutes

• Enter Number of words or paste text from your document.
• Select speaking time speed from slow, average and fast options.
• It displays speech time in minutes based on speed of reading time.
• It also displays how long does it take to read number of words in tabular format.

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Last Updated on July 7, 2024

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Words to Time — Read Time Calculator, Speech Time Calculator

0 hr 0 mins 0 secs

Read Time (silent)

Sentence Count

Character Count

Words to Time Calculator

Words to Time Calculator is a powerful tool designed to help you accurately estimate how long it will take to read or speak any text. Whether you're a student preparing for a presentation, a professional crafting a speech, or simply curious about reading times, our words-to-time tool is tailored to meet your needs.

Enter your text or word count, and let our tool do the rest, giving you an instant reading time estimate.

Check How Long Will it Take to Read This With the Speech Time Calculator

Reading Time Calculator is an essential resource for anyone in the field of public speaking, education, or literature. By inputting your text or the number of words, you'll receive an immediate estimate of the time needed to convey your message effectively. Ideal for adjusting your pace and content to fit specific time constraints.

Words to Time tool calculates the reading speed considering average reading speeds and the complexity of the text. Here's a breakdown of the functionality:

• Word Count Analysis : Starts by analyzing the total number of words in your input text or the word count you provide.
• Average Speed Consideration : It then applies an average reading speed to calculate the estimated time.
• Adjustment for Complexity : The tool also accounts for the complexity of the text. More complex texts with longer words and sentences might take longer to read or speak, and this is factored into the calculation.

Words to Minutes with Read Time Calculator

By understanding the reading time, you can tailor your writing to fit your audience's attention span and make every minute count.

Here are the reading times for various word counts -

Reading speed can vary widely depending on the complexity of the text and the reader's proficiency. We have considered a few factors to build this Words to Time tool.

Speech Time Calculator

Speech time takes reading time a step further by considering the time required for verbal delivery. It accounts for factors such as speaking pace, pauses, and audience interaction. Speech time is crucial for planning and delivering effective speeches, presentations, and lectures.

How to Convert Speech to Text in Word: A Step-by-Step Guide

Converting speech to text in Word is surprisingly easy and highly efficient. By using built-in tools like Microsoft’s Dictate feature, you can turn your spoken words into written text in real time. This saves time, minimizes typing, and can even help with note-taking during meetings or lectures.

Step-by-Step Tutorial on How to Convert Speech to Text in Word

In this tutorial, you’ll learn how to use Microsoft Word’s Dictate feature to convert your spoken words into written text.

Step 1: Open Microsoft Word

First, you need to open the Microsoft Word application.

If you don’t already have Word installed, you’ll need to install it from Microsoft Office or Microsoft 365. Once opened, you can start with a new document or continue working on an existing one.

Step 2: Go to the Home Tab

Make sure you’re on the Home tab in the Word ribbon.

The Dictate button is located in the Home tab, so navigate there first. This is where you find most of the basic tools you use for formatting and editing your document.

Step 3: Click on the Dictate Button

Find and click the Dictate button, usually represented by a microphone icon.

Once you click the Dictate button, a microphone icon will appear, indicating that Word is ready to listen. If it’s the first time, it may ask for permission to use your microphone.

Step 4: Start Speaking

Begin speaking clearly into your microphone.

As you speak, Word will transcribe your speech into text in real time. Make sure to articulate your words clearly for the best results. Remember to speak punctuation marks, like "period" or "comma," if needed.

Step 5: Stop Dictation

Click the Dictate button again to stop.

After you’ve finished speaking, click the Dictate button again to stop the transcription. Your spoken words will appear as text in your document, and you can edit them as needed.

After completing these steps, your spoken words will have been converted into text within your Word document. You can now review, edit, and format the text as required.

Tips for Converting Speech to Text in Word

• Speak Clearly : Ensure clarity by speaking slowly and enunciating each word.
• Check Microphone Quality : Use a high-quality microphone for better accuracy.
• Environment Matters : Find a quiet place to minimize background noise.
• Practice Commands : Familiarize yourself with the speech commands for punctuation and formatting.
• Regular Edits : Frequently pause to review and edit the text for accuracy.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if the dictate button is missing.

Ensure your Microsoft Word is up to date. The Dictate feature is available in the latest versions.

Can I use Dictate with different languages?

Yes, Microsoft Word supports multiple languages for dictation. You can change the language settings in the Dictate menu.

What should I do if the transcribed text contains errors?

You can manually correct any errors by typing directly into the document.

Do I need an internet connection to use Dictate?

Yes, an active internet connection is required for the Dictate feature to work.

Is there a time limit for using Dictate?

There isn’t a strict time limit, but long sessions may require occasional breaks to ensure accuracy and performance.

• Open Microsoft Word.
• Go to the Home Tab.
• Click on the Dictate Button.
• Start Speaking.
• Stop Dictation.

Converting speech to text in Word is an invaluable tool for anyone looking to save time and reduce the strain of typing. Whether you’re a student capturing lecture notes, a professional documenting meeting minutes, or simply someone who thinks better out loud, this feature can be a game-changer. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can seamlessly integrate speech-to-text functionality into your daily routine.

For those who want to dive deeper into the potential of speech recognition technology, exploring additional resources and practicing different commands can further refine your skills. Lastly, don’t forget to keep your software updated and your microphone in good condition for the best results. Give it a try and revolutionize the way you work with text!

Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.

He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.

Read his full bio here .

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• Budget 2024 speech duration: A historic journey from longest to shortest speeches in India's budget history

Budget 2024 speech duration: A historic journey from longest to shortest speeches in India's budget history

Nirmala Sitaraman’s record-breaking budget speeches

• 2024-25 Budget : Lasted 1 hour and 25 minutes.
• Interim Budget 2024 : Delivered on February 1, 2024, with her shortest speech duration of 57 minutes.
• 2023 Budget : Clocked in at 1 hour and 30 minutes.
• 2021 Budget : Marked India's first paperless budget, with a duration of 1 hour and 40 minutes.
• 2020 Budget : Set a record with the longest speech in India's history, lasting 2 hours and 42 minutes.
• 2019 Budget : Her maiden speech took 2 hours and 15 minutes.

Longest budget speeches in Indian history

• Nirmala Sitharaman (2020) : Delivered the longest speech ever recorded at 2 hours and 42 minutes. This historic address was part of her third consecutive budget.
• Jaswant Singh (2003) : His budget speech lasted 2 hours and 13 minutes, during which he introduced universal health insurance and e-filing of income tax returns.
• Arun Jaitley (2014) : Spent 2 hours and 10 minutes presenting the budget, which included a tax exemption slab increase and an FDI boost in defence.

Longest budget speeches by word count

• Manmohan Singh (1991) : Holds the record for the longest speech by word count with 18,700 words during his budget presentation.
• Arun Jaitley : He came in just behind with 18,604 words in his speech.

Shortest budget speeches

• Hirubhai M. Patel (1977) : Delivered the shortest budget speech, with only 800 words, during his interim budget presentation.

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Fact-checking Trump's speech accepting the GOP nomination

Former President Donald Trump pitched a familiar worldview Thursday night: an administration that would stop wars, curb inflation and end illegal immigration.

But his third Republican National Convention speech — the longest nomination acceptance address in modern history, at 93 minutes — included a series of false claims on topics from taxes to crime to foreign policy.

Here's what Trump said in Milwaukee and the facts behind his claims.

Do Democrats want to ‘destroy’ Social Security and Medicare?

“I’m going to protect Social Security and Medicare. Democrats are going to destroy Social Security and Medicare," Trump said.

This is misleading.

Trump has  waffled on the issue for years , but now says he wouldn’t cut Social Security or Medicare. President Joe Biden advocated for cuts decades ago but has opposed them for more than 10 years. 

Before he ran for office, Trump called Social Security a “Ponzi scheme” in 2000 and endorsed then-Rep. Paul Ryan’s plans to restructure Medicare in 2012. As a presidential candidate, he positioned himself as the protector of those programs in 2016, but he took aim at some retirement spending in his White House budgets (which never became law).

Biden has repeatedly pointed to an  interview with CNBC in March , when Trump said, “There’s a lot you can do in terms of entitlements, in terms of cutting.” During this campaign, Trump has mostly insisted he wouldn’t cut Social Security and Medicare. After the CNBC interview, Trump sought to clean up his remarks, saying in an interview with the  conservative website Breitbart , “I will never do anything that will jeopardize or hurt Social Security or Medicare.” 

In the 1990s, Biden spoke about trying and failing repeatedly to cut government spending, including Social Security and Medicare. But he turned firmly against Social Security cuts more than a decade ago, as the Democratic Party moved toward supporting expanded retirement benefits. In the last week, Biden has embraced calls among progressives to back an expansion of Social Security benefits if he’s re-elected, although neither he nor the White House has offered specifics about that.

Is most of Trump’s pledged border wall built?

“I will end the illegal immigration crisis by closing our border and finishing the wall, most of which I have already built," Trump said.

Not according to Trump’s past promises.

A government report from 2023 found that the Trump administration installed about 458 miles of wall . The vast majority of that replaced existing structures —  estimates from 2021 pegged  the total new construction at just 47 miles of wall where none had existed before.

But even if that full 458-mile figure is what Trump is referring to, he had repeatedly promised during his 2016 presidential campaign that the wall would be  about 1,000 miles long .

Did Trump stop North Korean missile launches?

“We stopped the missile launches from North Korea,” Trump said.

This is false.

North Korea continued to launch short-range ballistic missiles during Trump’s tenure, even when the two countries held talks to try to negotiate a possible agreement that would have eased sanctions in return for North Korea’s curtailing its nuclear missile program.

Early in his administration, Trump warned North Korea not to threaten the U.S. or “they will be met with fire and fury like the world has never seen.”

Was there peace abroad under Trump?

“I was the first president in modern times to start no new wars. ... Under President Bush, Russia invaded Georgia. Under President Obama, Russia took Crimea. Under the current administration, Russia is after all of Ukraine. Under President Trump, Russia took nothing," Trump said.

President Jimmy Carter didn’t declare war or seek any authorization of force. No U.S. troops died in hostile action during his administration, while at least 65 active-duty U.S. troops died in hostile action during the Trump administration.

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, which began in 2014 with the seizure of Crimea, continued under his presidency. Pro-Russian separatists backed by Moscow continued to wage war in eastern Ukraine against the government in Kyiv during Trump’s administration.

Is the crime rate going up in the U.S.?

“Our crime rate is going up while crime statistics all over the world are plunging,” Trump said.

This is misleading, according to the most comprehensive data.

Attorney General Merrick Garland said last month that the latest crime statistics showed  a significant drop in violent crime , an overall dip of 15.2%, in the first three months of 2024 compared to 2023 (with larger drops in murders, robberies, reported rapes and aggravated assaults).

Preliminary data shows the crime rate also  dropped significantly in 2023 , according to FBI data that covers law enforcement departments with jurisdiction over 82% of the American population.

There are limits to what the data can tell us, it’s incomplete, and not all crime is properly reported. But the indications we have don’t support the picture Trump is painting of crime in America.

As far as the crime rate’s “plunging” all over the world, there’s a lot of world. A 2023  United Nations report on homicide  found an increase from 2021 to 2022 and no evidence crime rates were falling in Africa but a decline in homicides in South America, significant decreases in Europe since 2017 and a relatively stagnant rate in Australia.

Is Biden planning to raise taxes ‘by four times’?

“This is the only administration that said we’re going to raise your taxes by four times what you’re paying now," Trump said.

This is false, according to Biden’s budget and campaign promises.

Trump has  made this claim  before. Biden’s fiscal year 2024 budget would raise the top individual income tax rate from 37% to 39.6%, and it called for a 25% minimum tax on the highest earners, according to the  Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget . There are also other taxes, including those on those making at least $400,000, but nothing in the budget would suggest people’s taxes would be raised by a factor of four.

Biden has  pledged not to raise taxes  on anyone making less than $400,000, and he hasn’t proposed anything on the campaign trail that would raise taxes that high for a broad cross-section of people.

Did Trump end ‘catch and release’?

“We ended all ‘catch and release,’” Trump said.

Trump didn’t end “catch and release,” the practice of releasing migrants into the country with court dates while they await court hearings. The U.S. doesn’t have enough facilities to detain every migrant who crosses the border until they can see judges, no matter who is president, so Trump — like Barack Obama before him and Biden after him — released many migrants back into the U.S.

Did Democrats ‘use Covid to cheat’ in the 2020 election?

“The election result, we’re never going to let it happen again. They used Covid to cheat," Trump said.

Trump is referring to changes made during the Covid pandemic, largely to make it easier to vote by mail or absentee, as congregating at the polls posed a health risk. Democrats embraced the changes and turned out many voters by mail, while Trump slammed mail voting. There is no evidence the changes led to fraud, even though Trump and his allies filed  more than 50 lawsuits  challenging some facet of the 2020 election. All were denied, dismissed, settled or withdrawn, including  multiple that made  it to the  Supreme Court .

Are groceries 50% more expensive under Biden?

“It’s not affordable; people can’t live like this. Under this administration, our current administration, groceries are up 57%, gasoline is up 60 and 70%, mortgage rates have quadrupled,” Trump said.

This is exaggerated.

Some grocery items  have had huge price hikes, but overall grocery prices have risen 21% during the Biden administration. Gasoline prices are up 58% under Biden, while mortgage rates have more than doubled, not quadrupled.

Did Trump sign the biggest tax cut ever?

“We gave you the largest tax cut ever," Trump said.

The GOP-sponsored tax bill that Trump signed into law in December 2017 doesn’t amount to the “biggest” in U.S. history, according to the nonpartisan Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget. According to its estimates, the tax cut  is the eighth biggest in history .

Does immigration spread disease?

“We also have an illegal immigration crisis, and it’s taking place right now as we sit here in this beautiful arena, some massive invasion at our southern border that has spread misery, crime, poverty, disease and destruction to communities all across our land," Trump said.

Studies have found that migrants don’t spread disease. Instead, many help fight it, as migrants make up a significant proportion of health care workers.

A 2018 study in the  Journal of the American Medical Association  found that 16% of health care workers in the U.S. were born somewhere else, including 29% of physicians, 16% of registered nurses, 20% of pharmacists, 24% of dentists and 23% of nursing, psychiatric and home health aides.

“There is no evidence to show that migrants are spreading disease,” Dr. Paul Spiegel, who directs the Center for Humanitarian Health at Johns Hopkins School of Public Health, said in 2018. “That is a false argument that is used to keep migrants out.”

Jane C. Timm is a senior reporter for NBC News.

Ben Kamisar is a national political reporter for NBC News

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Read Biden’s full letter announcing the end of his 2024 reelection bid

President Joe Biden announced he’s dropping out of the 2024 presidential race , following mounting calls from Democrats in recent weeks.

READ MORE: What political leaders have said about Biden’s decision to end his reelection bid

The president faced pressure to exit the race amid concerns about his age and ability to win in November after his disastrous debate performance against former President Donald Trump in Atlanta last month.

Read the full letter here.

“It has been the greatest honor of my life to serve as your President,” Biden said in a letter released on Sunday. “And while it has been my intention to seek reelection, I believe it is in the best interest of my party and the country for me to stand down and focus solely on fulfilling my duties as President for the remainder of my term.”

Delegates are set to vote for their nominee in a virtual roll call on Aug. 7, weeks before the Democratic National Convention begins on Aug. 19 in Chicago. In a social media post following his initial letter, Biden endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris as his replacement at the top of the Democratic ticket.

Find more coverage

• What to know as Biden drops out of the 2024 presidential race and endorses Harris
• Judy Woodruff reflects on the historical context of Biden ending his campaign
• A look ahead at election laws as the Democratic Party picks a new nominee
• Biden ends his 2024 reelection bid and endorses Harris as his replacement to lead the ticket
• Here’s what could happen next as Biden drops out and endorses Harris in the 2024 race
• Harris could become first woman, second Black American to be president
• What political leaders have said about Biden’s decision to end his reelection bid

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Read the Transcript of Donald J. Trump’s Convention Speech

He spoke for just over 90 minutes.

By The New York Times

• July 19, 2024

Thank you very much. Thank you very, very much. And thank you, Dana. Thank you, Kid Rock, sometimes referred to as “Bob.” And thank you, Lee, right from the beginning, thank you very much. What a talent. What a beautiful, beautiful song. Thank you.

Friends, delegates and fellow citizens. I stand before you this evening with a message of confidence, strength and hope. Four months from now, we will have an incredible victory, and we will begin the four greatest years in the history of our country.

Together, we will launch a new era of safety, prosperity and freedom for citizens of every race, religion, color and creed.

The discord and division in our society must be healed. We must heal it quickly. As Americans, we are bound together by a single fate and a shared destiny. We rise together. Or we fall apart.

I am running to be president for all of America, not half of America, because there is no victory in winning for half of America.

So tonight, with faith and devotion, I proudly accept your nomination for president of the United States. Thank you. Thank you very much.

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Breaking News

Biden drops out, endorses Kamala Harris as Democratic presidential nominee

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President Biden withdrew from the presidential race Sunday and threw his support behind Vice President Kamala Harris as the Democratic Party’s new standard-bearer, a decision Democrats hailed as the act of a patriot who put his country over his self-interest.

Biden’s announcement ends weeks of hand-wringing among party leaders who urged him to leave the race after a disastrous debate performance last month left many Democrats fearing he was too old for office and unable to defeat former President Trump.

Harris, with Biden endorsement, says she intends to ‘earn and win this nomination’

President Biden’s decision to bow out of the November election leaves a path for Vice President Kamala Harris to replace him that would have seemed unlikely for most of the last three years.

July 21, 2024

“I believe it is in the best interest of my party and the country for me to stand down and to focus solely on fulfilling my duties as president for the remainder of my term,” Biden said in a statement. He will address the nation later this week, he said.

A Harris-Trump contest would present a stark contrast between Harris — 59, Black, Asian and the first woman to serve as vice president — against the 78-year-old Trump, a convicted felon whose presidency and campaign have been laced with racist and misogynistic underpinnings. Trump would become the oldest president in office by the end of his term. Harris would be the first female president.

In his initial statement, Biden did not endorse Harris, but later threw his support behind her in a post on X.

“My very first decision as the party nominee in 2020 was to pick Kamala Harris as my Vice President. And it’s been the best decision I’ve made. Today I want to offer my full support and endorsement for Kamala to be the nominee of our party this year. Democrats — it’s time to come together and beat Trump. Let’s do this,” Biden wrote.

In her own statement, Harris thanked Biden for his “extraordinary leadership.”

“I am honored to have the President’s endorsement and my intention is to earn and win this nomination,” she said. “I will do everything in my power to unite the Democratic Party — and unite our nation — to defeat Donald Trump and his extreme Project 2025 agenda.”

Read Biden’s letter

Trump took to Truth Social, his social media platform, to write:

“Crooked Joe Biden was not fit to run for President, and is certainly not fit to serve — And never was!” Trump did not mention the vice president, though in recent weeks, his campaign turned its attention to Harris — both at Trump’s rallies and in fundraising emails.

The groundwork for a last-minute presidential nominee switch began when the 81-year-old Biden appeared weak and flustered in a June 27 debate against Trump, sending a jolt of panic among Democrats.

Overnight, the president’s age and mental acuity — which polls show have long been a top concern for voters — burst into the mainstream conversation among political punditry.

The first sitting Democratic member of Congress to call for Biden to withdraw was Lloyd Doggett of Texas, whose comments on July 2 presaged what other lawmakers and party leaders would say about Biden and the election. Doggett praised Biden’s lengthy service to the country and touted his record, but, turning to the debate, said, “Instead of reassuring voters, the president failed to effectively defend his many accomplishments and expose Trump’s lies.”

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On Sunday, many Democratic leaders cheered Biden’s announcement and fell in line behind his Harris endorsement — including California Gov. Gavin Newsom.

“Tough. Fearless. Tenacious,” Newsom said in a post on X. “With our democracy at stake, and our future on the line, no one is better to prosecute the case against Donald Trump’s dark vision and guide our country in a healthier direction than America’s Vice President.”

Former President Clinton and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, the 2016 Democratic nominee, thanked Biden for his service and said they were “honored” to support Harris.

“Now is the time to support Kamala Harris and fight with everything we’ve got to elect her,” the Clintons said in a statement.

The nonprofit fundraising platform ActBlue said that as of 6 p.m. PDT Sunday, $46.7 million had flowed in from grassroots supporters in the hours since Harris launched her campaign.

Less than 15 minutes before Biden’s announcement, his campaign sent an email asking supporters to endorse the Biden-Harris administration’s agenda for “their first 100 days of a second term.” Already, the Indian American Impact fund began fundraising “to elect the first Desi President in U.S. history.”

But other Democrats remained notably silent on who would become the Democratic nominee. Former President Obama called Biden “a patriot of the highest order” for stepping down. He did not mention Harris.

“We will be navigating uncharted waters in the days ahead,” Obama said in a statement. “But I have extraordinary confidence that the leaders of our party will be able to create a process from which an outstanding nominee emerges.”

Former House Speaker Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D-San Francisco), who holds enormous sway in the Democratic Party, reportedly had been urging Biden behind the scenes to consider stepping down. She applauded his decision Sunday, but stopped short of endorsing Harris, her fellow Californian.

“His legacy of vision, values and leadership make him one of the most consequential Presidents in American history,” Pelosi said in a statement. “With love and gratitude to President Biden for always believing in the promise of America and giving people the opportunity to reach their fulfillment. God blessed America with Joe Biden’s greatness and goodness.”

Doggett urged Democrats to have an open convention when delegates gather in Chicago next month.

“Once again President Biden comes through for America, putting country over ego in a way that Donald Trump never could,” he posted on X.

“Now we must move forward to offer a nominee, who can win over disaffected voters and energize Democrats.”

Weeks ago, Biden remained undaunted by his fellow Democrats’ desire for a new leader.

“They’re trying to push me out of the race,” Biden said July 5 at a rally in Wisconsin. “Well let me say this as clearly as I can: I’m staying in the race. I’ll beat Donald Trump.”

Column: Democratic hopes now rest on Kamala Harris. Can the prosecutor beat the convict?

Harris being the logical alternative to Biden doesn’t make her a consensus favorite. Her failed 2020 campaign worries some. There are also questions whether her race and gender help or hurt.

Later that day, Biden’s interview with ABC’s George Stephanopoulos — and his later performances at two other sit-down interviews, plus a news conference — did little to repair the damage from the debate. At times, Biden faltered, sidestepped questions and again failed to reassure supporters that he was equipped to lead the country.

The ABC interview came after polls showing support for the president eroding.

As weeks wore on, a trickle of calls for the president to step aside grew into a steady stream — including from top leaders in his own party.

Actor George Clooney, a major Democratic donor and fundraiser , said July 10 that Democrats are “ not going to win in November with this president.” Clooney spelled out his reasoning in an op-ed for the New York Times under the headline, “I Love Joe Biden. But We Need a New Nominee.”

On July 17, Rep. Adam B. Schiff of Burbank became the most prominent Democrat in Congress up to that point to publicly call on Biden to make way for a new candidate.

“A second Trump presidency will undermine the very foundation of our democracy, and I have serious concerns about whether the president can defeat Donald Trump in November,” said Schiff, who is running for Senate in November.

Schiff’s statement came the same day a poll by the AP-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research reported that nearly two-thirds of Democrats surveyed said Biden should withdraw from the race . To cap off the tumultuous few weeks, Biden said Wednesday that he had tested positive for COVID, forcing him to leave the campaign trail.

Rep. Schiff calls on Biden to drop out, citing ‘serious concerns’ that he can’t win

Rep. Adam Schiff called Wednesday for President Biden to end his reelection bid, citing “serious concerns” about his ability to win.

July 17, 2024

Biden’s decision to withdraw fundamentally reshapes the 2024 campaign for both Democrats and Republicans, and could provide a welcome boost for Democrats who’ve faced flagging support from a relatively apathetic electorate.

Polls have repeatedly shown that many Americans did not welcome a repeat of 2020’s Biden-Trump contest. Biden in particular struggled to surmount voters’ concerns that he would be fit to govern the country well into his 80s.

Biden also faced backlash, particularly from young voters and voters of color, for his handling of the ongoing Israel-Hamas war. Though Biden easily won every Democratic primary so far, thousands of disgruntled Americans voted “uncommitted” in several states, in an effort by pro-Palestinian protesters to register their discontent over his support of Israel.

The president’s term in office will cap a government career that began more than 50 years ago, when Biden was elected in 1970 to a New Castle County council seat in Delaware.

He represented Delaware in the Senate 36 years, cultivating close political relationships with a broad spectrum of Republican and Democratic Senate colleagues. He also led the influential Senate Judiciary Committee, which confirmed Justice Clarence Thomas to the Supreme Court in 1991 despite a widely publicized controversy involving sexual harassment allegations.

During his tenure as senator, Biden long harbored presidential aspirations, running for the highest office in 1988 and again in 2008 before accepting Obama’s invitation to serve as vice president.

After two terms as second-in-command, Biden once again launched his own presidential bid in 2020, surging from the middle of the pack of Democratic candidates to clinch the nomination.

The 2020 election results, taking place amid the historic COVID-19 pandemic, came down to narrow margins in a handful of key swing states, with the final count drawing out for several days.

Even before he took office, Biden faced unprecedented challenges to his presidency when a group of pro-Trump rioters broke into the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, the day Congress was scheduled to certify the election results.

Biden presided over a sharply divided Congress, but pushed through pandemic relief stimulus packages and signed into law the Inflation Reduction Act — to date the nation’s largest set of initiatives to combat climate change.

He also led a chaotic removal of American troops from Afghanistan in 2021 that drew criticism from many in his own party.

While Democrats were not settled Sunday on who would face Trump, many offered Biden a unified message of gratitude.

“For him to look at the political landscape and decide that he should pass the torch to a new nominee is surely one of the toughest in his life,” Obama said in his statement.

“But I know he wouldn’t make this decision unless he believed it was right for America.”

More to Read

Goldberg: Is replacing President Biden as his party’s nominee an attack on democracy? Hardly

July 23, 2024

What Joe Biden’s decision means for Gavin Newsom

‘Embrace her,’ Biden says as Harris gives her first speech as likely Democratic nominee

July 22, 2024

Faith E. Pinho is a reporter for the Los Angeles Times, covering national and political news, including the 2024 election.

More From the Los Angeles Times

Clooney endorses Harris, praises Biden for ‘saving democracy once again’

Former L.A. Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa announces another run for California governor

Climate & Environment

Environmental groups ‘ecstatic’ over Kamala Harris’ candidacy and California climate record

Harris raises record-breaking $81 million for presidential bid

This could hand Trump the election

Right after his brush with death, the former president raised a fist in defiance, his lips forming a single word: ‘Fight’

Political strategists often talk about campaigns in terms of “moments”. 

They are points in time that irrevocably change the political landscape, forcing those involved to adapt their behaviour to a new baseline.

The attempt on Donald Trump’s life on Saturday night is the most significant moment in decades. It may well end up handing him the White House.

Right after his brush with death , the former president raised a fist in defiance, his lips forming a single word: “Fight.”

Trump has built his campaign on the idea that everyone is out to get him. Federal prosecutors, judges, election officials, rival politicians and journalists have all been accused of trying to bring down his campaign and prevent his return to the White House.

Many of those claims have rightly been contested. But after the incident in Pennsylvania, even Trump’s worst enemies cannot deny that some would rather see him dead than re-elected.

Perhaps surprisingly, the former president did not repeat his line that the establishment was out to take him down on Saturday .

Instead, his comments were statesmanlike and dignified - attempting to calm the passions of his supporters in a distinctly presidential fashion.

Rather than make the assassination attempt all about himself, he quickly praised the Secret Service, expressed grief for the other victims of the attack and called for unity.

It was a far cry from the conspiratorial figure who whipped up hundreds of people to storm the Capitol on January 6th.

Adopting a semi-Biblical tone, he told supporters to “fear not”, thanked God for his life, and said the American people would not allow “evil to win”.

His wife, Melania, released a statement on headed paper emphasising the values of “love, compassion, kindness and empathy”.

Such notes will likely appeal to profoundly unnerved swing voters who have thus far shied away from his campaign.

Just as he knew he would never be more under the microscope than in the moments after he was shot - raising that now-iconic fist - he appeared to recognise the entire nation would be watching his every move in the following hours.

And it wanted to see a potential president, who could protect democracy rather than burn it down.

Of course, there is political capital to be made regarding the Democrats’ repeated invocation of Trump as an existential threat to democracy.

But he left that business to his attack dogs, vice-president JD Vance and his son Don Jr, who accused Democrats of portraying his father as “literally Hitler.”

Another benefit to his campaign may be felt in the impact on the criminal cases facing Trump.

Although the facts of the cases have not changed, a jury’s impression of Trump’s character will be shaped by the events of Saturday night.

And will voters respond well to the courts relentlessly pursuing a man who survived an assassination attempt in the months ahead of an election? It seems doubtful.

Should they send him into office on Nov 5, he can pardon himself and end the saga there.

Meanwhile, the early indication on Sunday was that this incident will likely end the coup against Mr Biden , which has been building for more than a fortnight.

Insiders said the party would be forced to unite, and that more internal drama in the coming days would make Democrats look feeble and impotent compared to Trump.

Mr Biden has been on the back foot since his disastrous debate performance against Trump on June 27, and Democrats have been calling for him to do more to shore up support and convince them he can still win.

Instead, events have forced the rebels to back down without the assurances they are looking for. Democrats will support him out of obligation in a crisis - not out of genuine affection. The party has also suspended its attack adverts on Trump, giving him a week of publicity for his convention.

This is all good news for the Trump campaign. Mr Biden, whose gaffes are becoming more frequent by the day, is the ideal opponent to face, and it now appears a younger candidate is unlikely to replace him before November.

The polls show that Trump was likely to win back the presidency in November. If history tells us anything, the events of Saturday will now increase his support further. In the months after Ronald Reagan was shot in 1981, the newly-elected Republican president saw a poll boost of eight points.

Democrats, who were already holding onto the chance of victory by their fingertips, can now feel it slipping away.

Trump’s would-be assassin has left a mark on American politics that will be felt by voters long after his injuries heal. In trying to kill the 45th president, Saturday’s shooter may just have handed him a second run.

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