When you are the Timer

When you are the Timer

The Toastmaster of the meeting will call on you to explain the timing rules.

One of the lessons to be practiced in speech training is that of expressing a thought within a specific time. The timer is the member responsible for keeping track of time. Each segment of the meeting is timed. You should explain your duties and report to the Club clearly and precisely. This exercise is an excellent opportunity in practicing communicating instructions – something that we do every day.

PRIOR TO THE MEETING

q         Familiarize yourself with the timing required for each prepared speech with the      speakers. The timing required is already printed on the meeting program.

UPON ARRIVAL AT THE MEETING

q         Get timing equipment from the SAA. Be sure you understand how to operate the stopwatch and signal device and make certain that timing equipment works.

q         Sit where the signal device can be seen easily by all.

q         Collect the "Timer's Report" form from the SAA.

DURING THE MEETING

q_ When introduced, explain the timing rules and demonstrate the signal device.

q_ Throughout the meeting, signal each program participant as indicated below.

Ø  Green for the minimum time stipulated

Ø  Amber for the in-between time stipulated

Ø  Red for the maximum time stipulated

Ø  Bell for maximum allowed time elapsed

For example, for a Prepared Speech of timing 5 to 7 minutes, the sequence is:

Ø  Green for the 5th Minute

Ø  Amber for the 6th Minute

Ø  Red for the 7th Minute

Ø  Ring the Bell 30 seconds (maximum allowed time lapsed) later at 7’30”

q_ Record each participant’s name and time used.

q_ When called to report by the Table Topic Master, Toastmaster of the Evening, and/or general evaluator, stand up and announce the speaker’s name and the time taken.

Ø  State the names and the time taken

Ø  Let the Club President, VPE and/or TME to decide on whether those who are over-time be qualified for the voting to be Best Table Topics Speaker, Best Speaker or Best Evaluator.

AFTER THE MEETING

q_ Return the stopwatch and timing signal device to the Sergeant at Arms.

q_ Inform the Prepared Speech Speakers and/or Evaluators of their timing if they request it from you.