A table speech or welcome address should last no more than seven minutes. A plenary keynote can be longer, but the same rule applies: after 20 minutes without interaction, you’ll lose the audience’s attention. Want to speak longer? Then build in breaks: a quote on the screen, a question for the audience, a short video. For closing remarks, stick to three minutes. Thank the guests, deliver a strong closing line, and wrap up. Less is more. A speech that goes on too long drains the energy from the room.
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