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If I am to speak for ten minutes, I need a week for…

“If I am to speak for ten minutes, I need a week for preparation; if fifteen minutes, three days; if half an hour, two days; if an hour, I am ready now. —Woodrow T. Wilson” quote by Harvard Business Review Press
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““If I am to speak for ten minutes, I need a week for preparation; if fifteen minutes, three days; if half an hour, two days; if an hour, I am ready now. —Woodrow T. Wilson””

Harvard Business Review Press

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Preparation time varies with speech length; longer talks need more prep, but a short speech can be ready instantly.

In simple terms: Longer talks need more prep; short talks need less.

Key Takeaway

Plan according to length.

Themes

Communication Preparation Efficiency

Mood

pragmatic confident

Type

advice instruction

When to use this quote

  • Conference presentation
  • Classroom lecture
  • Business pitch

Key Concepts

Time management Public speaking Strategic planning

Questions to Reflect On

  • How much prep is enough?
  • When to trust instinct?
A Different Perspective

Over‑preparation can waste time.

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