A table speech or welcome address lasts a maximum of seven minutes. A plenary keynote may be longer. But there too: after 20 minutes without interaction you lose the audience's attention. Want to speak longer? Then build in break points: a quote on the screen, a question to the room, a short video. For closing words: keep it to three minutes. Thank the guests, give a clever final word and close. Less is more. A speech that lasts too long drains the energy from the room.
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