The timer’s responsibility is to keep track of the time for each speaker, table topic respondent, evaluations, and reports. The timer must communicate with the Toastmaster to make sure that the meeting does not go overtime.

This is a minor role and may be assigned within 2 weeks of becoming a member.

Responsibilities - During the Meeting:

• Collect the stopwatch and timer cards from the Resource box (the Sergeant of Arms is in charge of this box)
• Verify the time needed by each speaker. Ask how they want to be timed.
• When introduced by the General Evaluator, describe your role and how the speakers, table topic respondents and evaluators will be timed. Explain that when they see the red card that they have 30 seconds to conclude their speech. Otherwise you will begin clapping, leave the room or any other way to get them to stop talking!

  Speakers vary: 4-6 minutes, 5-7, 8-10, 15-17...

  • Green card at the minimum time
  • Yellow card at the next minute
  • Red card at the maximum time

  Example:

  • Green at 4 minutes
  • Yellow at 5 minutes
  • Red at 6 minutes

  Table Topics: 1-2 minutes

  • Green at 1 minute
  • Yellow at 1 minute, 30 seconds
  • Red at 2 minutes

  Evaluators: 2-3 minutes

  • Green at 2 minutes
  • Yellow at 2 minutes, 30 seconds
  • Red at 3 minutes


• Note: This role requires you to pay attention to the time intently. You must remove yourself from the content of the meeting and pay attention to the stopwatch and the cards.
• When re-introduced by the general evaluator, give your report on how each person did with the time. Keep within the 2 minutes allotted.

Responsibilities - After the Meeting:

• Return the stop watch and timer cards to the Resource Box

Skills Used:

• Reading a clock
• Assertiveness to enforce the time
• Spontaneity - Create a "speech on the fly" with your final report