Communication Tip #38: Keep Your Summaries to 300 Words for Success

Reading and speaking rates matter when it comes to effective communication.

JD Solomon
2 min readSep 23, 2024
Less is more when it comes to effective communication (photo source: CWF, used with permission)

News stories on websites and social media are often around 300 words or less. Attention span is the primary reason but readability on mobile devices also plays a significant role. That shouldn’t surprise most effective communicators in business–you usually only have 3 minutes or less to make your point with senior management.

Word Counts and Speaking Rates

The average person can speak between 125 and 200 words per minute. Normal conversation rates tend to be on the high side, while technical presentations and public speaking can be on the lower end.

Assume 150 words per minute if you have not studied the speaker.

Word Counts and Reading Rates

The average reading rate is 200 to 250 words per minute. Business leaders who are formally trained to scan material quickly can read faster.

Assume 200 words per minute if you do not understand the entire audience.

Keep Your Summaries to 300 Words For Success

Keep your summaries to 300 words or less for success. I challenge you to study news reports on websites and social media for their word counts. And as always, study people who you think are highly effective communicators.

(My word count is now around 225 words, so I am finished!)

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JD Solomon
JD Solomon

Written by JD Solomon

Helping people become better communicators and collaborators. Creator of www.communicatingwithfinesse.com. Founder of http://www.jdsolomonsolutions.com.

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