So, you’ve volunteered to be the Timer for the next Toastmasters meeting.
Maybe it’s your first time taking a functional role, or maybe you just need a quick refresher. Either way, the Timer is one of the most critical roles in the meeting. Without you, the meeting runs late, speeches lose focus, and the agenda falls apart.
But don’t worry—it’s also one of the easiest roles to master, if you have the right tools and the right script.
Below is a complete guide on what to say and do, broken down by the three times you will speak during the meeting.
Part 1: The Introduction
(This usually happens at the start of the meeting when the General Evaluator or Toastmaster of the Day calls on you to explain your role.)
The Script:
“Mr./Mdm. Toastmaster, Fellow Toastmasters, and welcome guests.
One of the skills Toastmasters practice is expressing a thought within a specific time. As Timer, I am responsible for monitoring the time of each speaker to ensure the meeting stays on schedule.
I will be timing the prepared speeches, the Table Topics, and the evaluations. I will alert each speaker of their time using these signals:”
(At this point, you will demonstrate the colors. If you are using the Toastmasters Stopwatch App, simply click the buttons to show the colors on your screen).
“For Table Topics (1 to 2 minutes):
- At 1 minute, I will show the Green signal.
- At 1 minute and 30 seconds, I will show the Yellow signal.
- At 2 minutes, I will show the Red signal.
For Prepared Speeches (usually 5 to 7 minutes):
- At 5 minutes, I will show the Green signal.
- At 6 minutes, I will show the Yellow signal.
- At 7 minutes, I will show the Red signal.
For Evaluations (2 to 3 minutes):
- At 2 minutes, I will show the Green signal.
- At 2 minutes and 30 seconds, I will show the Yellow signal.
- At 3 minutes, I will show the Red signal.
I will report on the times when called upon by the General Evaluator. Mr./Mdm. Toastmaster.”
Part 2: During the Meeting
Your job now is to listen and watch the clock.
If you are using a physical stopwatch, this can be stressful. You have to stare at the digits and remember when to hold up the colored cards.
Pro Tip: Use the Digital Toastmasters Stopwatch.
It handles the math for you. You simply select the speech type (like “Ice Breaker” or “Table Topics”), hit Start, and the screen will automatically change colors at the correct moment. This allows you to actually listen to the speech instead of stressing over the clock.
Part 3: The Timer’s Report
(At the end of the meeting, the General Evaluator will call you for a report.)
The Script:
“Thank you, Mr./Mdm. General Evaluator.
I am happy to report that everyone qualified for time today.”
(OR, if someone went over time)
“Everyone qualified for time today, with the exception of [Name], who spoke for [Time].”
“Back to you, Mr./Mdm. General Evaluator.”
Summary of Times
If you ever get confused about the standard times, here is a quick reference chart:
| Speech Type | Green | Yellow | Red |
| Table Topics | 1:00 | 1:30 | 2:00 |
| Evaluations | 2:00 | 2:30 | 3:00 |
| Ice Breaker | 4:00 | 5:00 | 6:00 |
| Standard Speech | 5:00 | 6:00 | 7:00 |
Note on Grace Periods: In most speech contests, speakers are granted a 30-second grace period (over or under the time limit) before being disqualified. However, Table Topics usually do not have a grace period on the lower end (must be at least 1:00) but do have a 30-second grace period on the upper end (up to 2:30). In standard club meetings, check with your club officers for specific local preferences.
Ready to Time?
The key to a stress-free Timer role is automation. Don’t rely on your phone’s default clock app.
Click here to use the free Toastmasters Stopwatch Tool for your next meeting. It works on mobile and desktop, automatically changes colors, and ensures you never miss a signal.
