The Timer

What can you expect from this role?

You can get three things out of being the timer.

1. Prepare and practice a mini speech
2. Heighten your sense of timing, and
3. Practice giving bad news. It is not fun to tell other members they went overtime. If you are in a position of leadership, you will have to provide feedback on sub-par performances. Here you can practice how to do it.

Why are we using a timer in our meetings?

We aim to start and end our meetings on time. Usually, our meetings last about two hours. The agenda is tightly-knit to fit in as many speaking opportunities as possible.

Every role and every part of the evening is allotted a certain amount of time. The timer makes sure that the meeting is on time.

The Timer therefore tells the Table Topics-Master when it is time to come back from the break. It is your responsibility that the break ends on time.

How To

Before the meeting

Print or check out a detailed agenda on EasySpeak. It will give you all the timings for all projects and all roles on that particular night. You might also want to print the Timer-Log. Then individualize your Timer-Log with the timings of the meeting. As every meeting can be different, not all timings can be in the form.

Aim to arrive about 15 – 30 minutes earlier. Make sure the timing and signalling devices ready and be sure you know how to use them.

During the meeting

Introduction

As with every other small role, we expect you to give a short explanation of what you will be doing at the beginning of the meeting. Try to wow us by using a quote, presenting a fitting metaphor or doing something else that will amaze or entertain us when you give the introduction.

Please explain the timing rules and demonstrate the signal device. Preferably, use the Table Topics as an example. You have got one minute to do so. This is a mini speech. Give it an introduction, a body and an end, please.

There is no need to state all the possible timings for the different speaking roles during your introduction. This would be only boring. Speakers and Evaluators know their timings, and you demonstrate the timing for the Table Topics during your introduction. That is enough.

Signalling

You help us to keep to the timings by signalling green when the minimum time is reached. You signal yellow when it is time to begin wrapping up, and red when the maximum time is reached. Make sure you keep your cards up after the time has come to show them.

Whenever we meet online, be creative by using different virtual backgrounds or showing colorful objects. Entertain us with sweets, books, magazines, each in one of the three colors. (Feel free to do the same during live meetings.)

Speakers are in time when they finish within 30 seconds after the maximum time has run out. Please mention this in your report.

Throughout the meeting, signal each of the speakers and evaluators as indicated on the agenda. The signal/card should stay visible to the speaker all the time. Signal the President, and functionaries with red when they have reached their allotted times. Record each speaker’s name and the time used.

Report

When called on to report, go to the stage, announce the speaker’s and functionaries’ names and the exact time they spoke. Avoid making judgements – neither criticize those who exceeded the time, nor praise those who remain within time limitations. Clearly state who went over time.

Remember to shake hands with the TME and the GE as you come onto and leave the stage.

Familiarize yourself with Toastmaster timing rules:

• • Prepared Speeches are generally 5-7 minutes and can be up to 20 minutes long.
    • Green up at 5 minutes, until it is time for yellow
    • Yellow up at 6 minutes, until it is time for red.
    • Red up at 7 minutes, then keep the red card up, until they are finished.
  • Table Topics are 1-2 minutes
    • Green up at 1 minutes, until it is time for yellow
    • Yellow up at 1:30, until it is time for red.
    • Red up at 2 minutes, then keep the red card up, until they are finished.
  • Evaluations are 2-3 minutes
    • Green up at 2 minutes, until it is time for yellow
    • Yellow up at 2:30 minutes, until it is time for red.
    • Red up at 3 minutes, then keep the red card up, until they are finished.

PS

Feedback helps us all grow. If you want feedback on your performance as the Timer, give the PDF “Feedback for the Timer” to another club member to evaluate you. Or tell another member upfront that you would like their feedback after the meeting.