TimerDescriptionKeeping track of time is a cornerstone of Toastmasters International clubs and speech constest as it is the speaker’s job to communicate their message with clarity within a specific amount of time. The Timer operates the electronic timer to ensure that speakers stay within their allotted speech time for Table Topics, Speeches and Evaluations. The timer has programmable presets which turn on green, yellow and red lights to indicate to the speaker how much time is left. Responsibilities prior to meetingFamilarize yourself with the operation of the electronic timer by looking at the diagram found on this Web site and sitting next to the timer prior to your meeting assignment. Confirm with the speakers how long their speeches area and identify which presets to use. Most speeches are between 5-7 minutes. Table Topics are 1-2 minutes and Evaluations are 2-3 minutes. Responsibilities during meetingWhen called upon by the TM, stand and explain your job to the members. When properly set the GREEN light will come on when the speaker has met the minimum time for their speech, the YELLOW light comes on 60 seconds after the GREEN and RED comes on when there are only 30 seconds left. When timing TT, Speeches and Evaluations, timing begins as soon as the speaker makes any verbal utterance. Be sure to press the “START” button on the timer and ensure that it is indeed timing. Special notesClub #83 allows 30 seconds prior to minimum time to qualify for evaluations and speeches but not Table Topics. This means that to qualify for TT, the speaker must speak at least 60 seconds. For evaluations and speeches, the speaker can speak 30 seconds less than the minimum time and still qualify. For example a speech of 5 – 7 minutes still qualifies if the speaker speaks for 4:30. Have a backup timing system in place. The Club has a cooking timer and green, yellow and red cards that you can hold up in the event that the timer fails |
