How long to say 300 words? About 2 min 18 sec
300 words takes about 2 min 18 sec to say at a presentation pace of 130 words per minute. At a conversational 150 wpm, it takes 2 min 00 sec. Use the presentation time to plan your talk. These are planning estimates; time a rehearsal to check your own pace.
Updated
300 words takes about 2 min 18 sec at a presentation pace of 130 wpm. At 100 wpm, the same text takes 3 min 00 sec. For a short introduction, keep your main point and closing line within that time.
1 min 16 sec is the silent reading time for 300 words at 238 wpm for adult English non-fiction. Use it to set aside time for a quick draft review. When you are ready to speak, allow about 2 min 18 sec for delivery.
| Benchmark | Words per minute | Time | Source context |
|---|---|---|---|
| Slow / deliberate | 100 | 3 min 00 sec | Griffiths (1990): slow listening pace |
| Prepared presentation | 130 | 2 min 18 sec | Toastmasters: 120–160 wpm presentation guidance |
| Conversational English | 150 | 2 min 00 sec | NCVS: approximate US English average |
| Audiobook narration | 155 | 1 min 56 sec | ACX: 9,300 words per finished hour ÷ 60 |
| Radio news | 180 | 1 min 40 sec | Rodero (2012): 160–180 wpm radio guidance |
Times round to the nearest whole second, with half a second rounded up. Word counts round to the nearest whole word, with halves rounded up. Calculations use the full rate before rounding.
Questions about how long to say 300 words?
Can I read 300 words in 5 minutes?
Yes, at 238 wpm for adult English silent non-fiction: 300 words takes about 1 min 16 sec. Finishing in 5 minutes requires 60 wpm. Use this time for a silent draft review and the speech table to plan delivery aloud.
How long is 300 words at a deliberate pace?
300 words takes 3 min 00 sec at 100 wpm. At a presentation pace of 130 wpm, it takes 2 min 18 sec. Choose the slower setting when you want deliberate delivery, then shorten the draft if that time exceeds your speaking slot.
How many words should I cut from a 300-word speech?
300 words takes about 2 min 18 sec at 130 wpm. Multiply your available speaking minutes by that rate, then subtract the result from 300 to find how many words to cut. If the result is negative, your draft already fits the word budget.