Starring Role: Timer

Description

The Timer records the times for every speech, Table Topics speech, and evaluation and provides a Timer report at the end of the meeting. The Timer will also indicate when the following points are reached, using a color-based signal for each:

  • Green: qualifying time is reached
  • Yellow: the halfway point between the qualifying and ending times has been reached
  • Red: the ending time has been reached

Disqualifying times (30 seconds after the ending time or red signal) are important in contests and, in some programs, may be used to determine a speaker’s eligibility for the “best” vote. In addition, the Timer is sometimes asked to time 1 minute between speeches to allow time for member feedback and for voting for the best speaker, Table Topics speaker, and best Speech Evaluator.

The Timer’s role is important because it enables speakers to learn to speak within a specific timeframe. In addition, the timer helps to keep the meeting running smoothly. Depending on the meeting format, speakers may be allowed to speak until they finish. However, in some programs -- especially those operating on a tight schedule -- a long-winded speaker may receive applause (started by the timer) after a certain overage of time.

The Toastmaster will call on people to explain their roles (see the “Describe Your Role” section). You will also be called upon to report the recorded speaking times at the end of the meeting.

Before the Meeting

Ensure you have a copy of the Timer’s form. A sample is included in this document but is also available here on our website.

During the Meeting

For in-person meetings, a battery-powered stoplight timer is used. A stopwatch is usually available, although most smart phones include a stopwatch feature. The official Toastmasters International app also includes a timer feature and is available in the AppStore for Apple or Google Play for Android.

For online meetings, find objects such as folders to hold up for green, yellow, and red. When you hold them up to your webcam, say the color that corresponds to the time. Alternately, you may opt to change your virtual background to reflect the stoplight colors.

Whether meeting online or in person, decide which timer you will use, whether you will record on paper or electronically, and fill in as many of the names as possible ahead of time.

After the Meeting

No tasks.

Skills

Time management, meeting preparation, explaining role functions, tracking and recording details during meetings, and being ready to speak at the right time

Benefits Gained from this Role

Timing benefits the group by helping to ensure speeches and Speech Evaluations stay within prescribed limits so the structure of the meeting can be maintained. In addition, the Timer helps speakers and Speech Evaluators to be cognizant of the time elapsed. The Timer benefits by practicing the following skills: meeting preparation, explaining role functions, tracking and recording details during meetings, and being ready to speak at the right time.

Describe Your Role

My name is __________ and I will be your Timer for today. I will be recording the times for speeches, Table Topics, and Speech Evaluations; and providing a Timer report at the end of the meeting. I will also indicate when the following points are reached: qualifying time is reached, almost time to finish, and time to finish by using green, yellow, and red respectively.

Timer Review

To be reviewed by the Timer before the meeting

Answer these 3 questions (multiple choice):

  1. Which task is NOT performed by the timer?
    1. Time and signal for every speech, Table Topic, and Speech Evaluation
    2. Time a minute between speeches to allow for member feedback
    3. Report speaking times when called upon
  2. What must the Timer provide in an online meeting?
    1. An audible signal
    2. Report of speaker times
    3. Objects that are red, yellow, and green
  3. What are the benefits to the Timer?
    1. Time management, improved grammar, listening skills
    2. Preparation, reporting, listening skills
    3. Meeting management, introductions, keeping on schedule

Timer Form

To be used by the Timer during the meeting

Mar 29, 2024

Sample Script: My name is __________ and I will be your Timer for today. I will be recording the times for speeches, Table Topics, and Speech Evaluations; and providing a Timer report at the end of the meeting. I will also indicate when the following points are reached: qualifying time is reached, almost time to finish, and time to finish by using green, yellow, and red respectively.

Times by Speech

Speech Type Disqualify if Less Than Green Light Yellow Light Red Light Disqualify if More Than
Icebreaker (IB) 3:30 4:00 5:00 6:00 6:30
Prepared Speech (PS) 4:30 5:00 6:00 7:00 7:30
Table Topic (TT) 1:00 1:30 2:00 2:30
Evaluation (EV) 1:30 2:00 2:30 3:00 3:30

Times by Speaker

Role Name Speech Type Qualified Speech Time
Speaker #1
Toastmaster
Speaker #2
Speaker #3
Table Topic #1
Table Topic #2
Table Topic #3
Table Topic #4
Table Topic #5
Evaluation #1
Evaluation #2
Evaluation #3