Paste your speech to see how long it takes to say out loud, how many words you need for your time slot, and practice with a timer. Free, private, nothing to sign up for.
Add 15-30 seconds for laughs, pauses and raising a glass. Most people speak faster when nervous.
About 480-560 words.
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| Speech | Ideal length | Words |
|---|---|---|
| Best man | 3-5 minutes | 400-650 words |
| Maid of honor | 3-5 minutes | 400-650 words |
| Father of the bride | 4-6 minutes | 500-750 words |
| Mother of the bride / groom | 2-4 minutes | 260-520 words |
| Father of the groom | 2-4 minutes | 260-520 words |
| Sibling, aunt, uncle, grandparent | 2-3 minutes | 260-400 words |
| Bride or groom | 3-5 minutes | 400-650 words |
| Wedding vows (each) | 1-2 minutes | 130-280 words |
| Rehearsal dinner toast | 2-3 minutes | 260-400 words |
| Milestone birthday toast | 2-4 minutes | 260-520 words |
| Anniversary speech | 3-5 minutes | 400-650 words |
| Retirement speech | 3-5 minutes | 400-650 words |
| Eulogy | 3-7 minutes | 400-900 words |
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Write my speechAbout 600-700 words at a natural speaking pace of 120-140 words per minute. If you speak slowly or plan pauses for laughs and applause, aim closer to 550-600 words so you finish on time.
Most people speak 120-150 words per minute in conversation. When delivering a speech to a room, a comfortable, clear pace is around 110-130 words per minute. Nerves usually push people faster, so practicing with a timer helps.
Three to five minutes for the best man, maid of honor and couple; four to six for the father of the bride, who often welcomes guests; and two to three for siblings, aunts, uncles and grandparents. Shorter is almost always better received than longer.
Roughly 360-420 words. That's enough for a short introduction, one good story, a few sincere lines about the couple or guest of honor, and a toast.
No. The timer runs entirely in your browser. Nothing you paste is stored or sent to Toastful.
Cut the second story before you cut the sincere part, remove any list of adjectives, and drop inside jokes that need explaining. If you'd like help, Toastful can write a fresh draft at exactly the length you choose from your own stories, with a free preview.