Reading time vs attention — the rule nobody publishes
Executives do not read 4,000-word memos in meetings. They skim. Speakers do not read slides word-for-word at 200 WPM — thoughtful delivery sits closer to 120–150 WPM with pauses, examples, and questions.
This calculator separates silent reading time from spoken time. Add slide count when you are planning a pitch: minutes per slide plus Q&A buffer beats guessing “about twenty minutes” the night before.
Shorter almost always wins when the goal is decision-making. If your reading time exceeds the slot, cut scope or split into an appendix — do not shrink font size and hope for mercy.