Timer

Role Overview

As Timer, you're the meeting's timekeeper, helping speakers practice one of the most challenging aspects of public speaking: staying within time limits. Your role is crucial for keeping the meeting on schedule and providing speakers with valuable feedback about their pacing.

Why This Role Matters

In the real world, speakers often have strict time limits:

• Business presentations
• Conference talks
• Wedding speeches
• TV or radio interviews

Learning to manage time while speaking is an essential skill, and you help speakers develop this ability.

Before the Meeting

Equipment Check

• Timing Device: Smartphone, stopwatch, or timer
• Signal Cards: Green (minimum time), Yellow (target time), Red (maximum time)
• Timing Sheet: To record times
• Backup: Have a backup timing method ready

Preparation

Review the agenda to understand the meeting flow
Note special timing requirements for any speeches
Familiarize yourself with standard speech times
Choose a visible seat in the room

During the Meeting

Your Introduction

When called upon, briefly explain your role:

"As Timer, I help speakers practice staying within their allocated time. I'll show green at minimum time, yellow at target time, and red at maximum time. Speakers should wrap up when they see the red card."

Timing Guidelines

Standard Times

• Prepared Speeches: Usually 5-7 minutes
• Table Topics: 1-2 minutes
• Evaluations: 2-3 minutes
• Reports: 1-2 minutes

Always start timing from the speaker's first word, not when they reach the lectern.

Signal Display

• Hold cards at shoulder height or higher
• Keep steady for 5-10 seconds
• Make eye contact with the speaker
• Stay visible but not distracting

Sample Timer's Report

Here's a template for your report:

"Thank you, Toastmaster. Tonight we had excellent time management overall.

For prepared speeches:

- John delivered his speech in 6 minutes 30 seconds - within time

- Sarah spoke for 5 minutes 45 seconds - within time

- Michael went to 8 minutes 15 seconds - over time

For Table Topics, all participants stayed within the 1-2 minute range.

For evaluations, all evaluators were within their 2-3 minute window.

Congratulations to everyone for respecting our time limits. Back to you, Toastmaster."

Common Challenges

Speaker Doesn't See Signals

• Make yourself more visible
• Stand up if necessary
• Gently wave the card
• Move to speaker's line of sight

Technical Issues

• Always have a backup timer
• Use your phone as backup
• Ask someone to assist if needed
• Continue timing even if cards are missing

Uncertain Time Limits

• Ask the Toastmaster before the meeting
• Check with individual speakers if needed
• Default to standard times if unsure
• Note any special requirements

Tips for Success

Remember: You're helping speakers improve, not policing them. Be supportive in your report, especially for new members.

Best Practices

Be Visible: Position yourself where speakers naturally look
Be Consistent: Use the same timing method for everyone
Be Precise: Record exact times, not approximations
Be Encouraging: Frame overtime positively ("enthusiastic delivery")

What to Avoid

• Don't distract speakers with excessive movement
• Don't show cards too early or too late
• Don't criticize speakers for time management
• Don't forget to time evaluations and reports

Growth Opportunities

The Timer role helps you develop:

• Attention to Detail: Tracking multiple speakers
• Time Management: Understanding speech pacing
• Public Speaking: Delivering clear, concise reports
• Leadership: Managing an important meeting function

Next Steps

After mastering the Timer role, consider:

• Taking on Toastmaster role
• Becoming General Evaluator
• Helping new members understand timing
• Giving speeches with perfect timing

Remember, every accomplished speaker once struggled with timing. Your role helps them master this crucial skill in a supportive environment.