Timer / Timekeeper

PURPOSE:
In an agenda which often includes contributions from 10-15 people, the control of timing is a extremely important. The Timer's function is to provide timing signals to most of the participants and to report specifically on the timing performance of topics speakers, prepared speakers and evaluators.

PRIOR TO THE MEETING:
Using the LATEST published agenda as a checklist, review the activities to be timed - all timings are usually printed with the title of their speech, speech manual, and objectives.

Prepare a brief but thorough summary of your role as Timer that explains your role in the program to visiting guests.

AS YOU ARRIVE AT THE MEETING:
Arrive a few minutes early and get the timing lights and stop watch and ensure you understand how to operate the them. Be sure both are in good working condition and familiarise yourself with the operation of the lights and the stopwatch - check with the Sergeant-at-Arms if you have any problems.

Get a copy of the "Timer's Report" from the Sergeant at Arms for use during the meeting. Ask the Toastmaster of the Evening for a copy of the meeting agenda and begin filling in the names of the participants.

DURING THE MEETING:
Start operation of the timing lights at the beginning of each participant's talk. If the agenda does not have the estimated time for the speakers, the Toastmaster will generally advise you during the introduction. Cairnhill Toastmasters Club use the one minute interval as a guideline for speeches ( on a 6 minute speech, the green light is on at 5, the amber light at 6, and the red light at 7 ). Thirty second intervals are used on Table Topics and Evaluations.

After your introduction by the Toastmaster, explain the role of Timer and include a demonstration of the lights.

Keep a running record of meeting progress and a specific record of the times for each speaker, table topics speaker, and evaluator.

When called upon by the Toastmaster, stand at your seat and read out the times for the speakers, table topics speakers, and evaluators. REMEMBER: even the timekeeping role is a valuable speaking opportunity and it can be quite a challenge to bring some originality to it.

AFTER THE MEETING:
Return the stopwatch to the Sergeant at Arms.