Timer - Functionary Role in Club Meetings

The function of Timer is to assist the meeting leaders in keeping the meeting on schedule; and to guide the prepared speakers, table topics speakers and evaluators to be aware of her or his speaking time. Speeches are given from manuals with designated times for each project. The Timer will get the time range of the presentation from the speakers before the meeting begins. The Timer monitors and supports the club in time management. Effective meetings start and end on time.

During a meeting, the Timer will operate a timing device and a light signal box with three lights: green, yellow and red. The Timer's Report Form is filled out during the meeting and turned in to the club archives at the end of the meeting.

Use the stopwatch to time the presentations, it indicates minutes and seconds. Keep a record of the speakers and the time amounts used. The Timer is called on to report these times to the club at the end of each meeting segment. The club votes for "Best" and gives award ribbons, however, speakers who speak under the requested time 30 or more seconds or 31 seconds over the requested time disqualify for ribbons.

The light signal box is electrical and operates by plugging into a standard electrical outlet. The lights operate one at a time by individual switches. Test the lights and demonstrate them when describing the Timer's duties so everyone understands and can see what you are describing.

Speakers

• when 2 minutes of requested time remain, the GREEN light is turned on
• when 1 minute remains, the YELLOW light is switched on
• when the full time for the speech is reached the RED light goes on and remains on until the speaker has concluded

Table Topics (for 2 minute Table Topics)

• GREEN light is turned on at 1 minute
• YELLOW light is turned on at 1 minute and 30 seconds
• RED light goes at 2 minutes and remains on until the speaker has concluded

Evaluators

• GREEN light is switched on at 2 minutes
• YELLOW light at 2 minutes and 30 seconds
• RED light goes at 3 minutes and remains on until the speaker has concluded

If speakers speak longer than thirty seconds past their time, you may need to indicate that to the Toastmaster by a pre-arranged visual or audible signal. This can depend on the meeting environment and specific time requirements.

For more information on the functionary role of Timer see pages 65-66 of your Competent Communicator manual and pages 24-26 of your Competent Leadership manual.