Here's a breakdown:
* Average speaking rate: Most people speak at a rate of 120-150 words per minute.
* 500 words / 120 words per minute = 4.17 minutes
* 500 words / 150 words per minute = 3.33 minutes
Factors that can influence the length:
* Speaking pace: If you speak quickly, the speech will be shorter. If you speak slowly, it will be longer.
* Pauses and emphasis: Pauses for emphasis, taking a breath, or for the audience to absorb information will add time to your speech.
* Complexity of the topic: A speech with complex ideas or technical jargon might take longer to deliver than a speech with simple concepts.
It's important to practice your speech beforehand to get a good sense of its timing.