Why Do Speeches Often Go Too Long?
Speakers love their words, but audiences only want what matters. The danger comes when speakers keep talking past the emotional high point. Once engagement peaks, attention begins to fade.
Mini-summary: Speeches lose power when they drag past the point of maximum engagement.
What Is the Risk of Having No Time Limit?
When organisers set a limit, discipline is forced. But when speakers control their own slot, they often run long. Without boundaries, self-indulgence creeps in, and the speech becomes tiring.
Mini-summary: Lack of limits tempts speakers into rambling and overstaying their welcome.
How Should a Speech Be Designed?
A well-structured speech builds toward a climax and then ends quickly with a call to action. The final words should land while the audience is emotionally primed, not after their interest has waned.
Mini-summary: Design speeches to peak with emotion and finish with a crisp call to action.
Why Is Discipline Essential in Speechwriting?
We get attached to stories and opinions, padding talks unnecessarily. Discipline means cutting until only what supports the key message remains. It’s better to leave audiences hungry for more than overfed and bored.
Mini-summary: Ruthless editing ensures clarity, impact, and memorability.
What’s the One Key Question Every Speaker Should Ask?
“What is the single message I want them to remember?” Anything unrelated should be cut. This forces clarity and ensures the speech drives action instead of drifting.
Mini-summary: A clear central message should be the speech’s anchor.
So What’s the Right Length for a Speech?
It isn’t measured in minutes but in impact. A short, sharp message at peak engagement beats a long-winded performance. The right length is always “long enough to inspire, short enough to leave them wanting more.”
Mini-summary: The best speeches end on impact, not on time.
About the Author
Dr. Greg Story, Ph.D. in Japanese Decision-Making, is President of Dale Carnegie Tokyo Training and Adjunct Professor at Griffith University. He is a two-time winner of the Dale Carnegie “One Carnegie Award” (2018, 2021) and recipient of the Griffith University Business School Outstanding Alumnus Award (2012). As a Dale Carnegie Master Trainer, Greg is certified to deliver globally across all leadership, communication, sales, and presentation programs, including Leadership Training for Results.
He has written several books, including three best-sellers — Japan Business Mastery, Japan Sales Mastery, and Japan Presentations Mastery — along with Japan Leadership Mastery and How to Stop Wasting Money on Training. His works have also been translated into Japanese, including Za Eigyō (ザ営業), Purezen no Tatsujin (プレゼンの達人), Torēningu de Okane o Muda ni Suru no wa Yamemashō (トレーニングでお金を無駄にするのはやめましょう), and Gendaiban “Hito o Ugokasu” Rīdā (現代版「人を動かす」リーダー).
In addition to his books, Greg publishes daily blogs on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter, offering practical insights on leadership, communication, and Japanese business culture. He is also the host of six weekly podcasts, including The Leadership Japan Series, The Sales Japan Series, The Presentations Japan Series, Japan Business Mastery, and Japan’s Top Business Interviews. On YouTube, he produces three weekly shows — The Cutting Edge Japan Business Show, Japan Business Mastery, and Japan’s Top Business Interviews — which have become leading resources for executives seeking strategies for success in Japan.
