… for Random Weirdness
Tip #009: Counting Words for Voice-Over Timing
Larry Jordan – https://LarryJordan.com
Media is like poetry. Every word counts.
The following word count timings should assist you in determining how many words will comfortably fit within a specified amount of time in a spot. This guide assumes a “normal” rate of speech (neither fast nor slow) and a basic “announcer” read.
WORD COUNT TIMINGS
| SECONDS | WORDS |
|---|---|
|
3 seconds
|
7 words
|
|
5 seconds
|
12 words
|
|
7 seconds
|
17 words
|
|
10 seconds
|
23 words
|
|
15 seconds
|
35 words
|
|
30 seconds
|
70 words
|
|
60 seconds
|
140 words
|
NOTE: For phone numbers, each spoken number = 1 word.
(i.e., 1-877-000-0000 = 11 words)