Club and contest timing aid
Table Topics Timer
Green at 1:00 · yellow at 1:30 · red at 2:00
Ready — begin timing with the speaker
Keyboard: Space start/pause · N save/next · R reset · F fullscreen
PREP formula for a timed response
Point: state your answer clearly.
Reason: give one reason it matters.
Example: add a short story or concrete example.
Point: return to the answer for a clean close.
For a clear, visible timing role
Run the signal sequence without losing the speaker’s time
Use the stopwatch for one speaker or a full Table Topics segment. The color, written signal name, elapsed time, and status all change together, so the display does not depend on color alone. Save each result before moving on; the numbered log gives the timer a compact report without putting member names or speech content into the page.
The standard Table Topics signal sequence
The current Toastmasters contest procedure uses three uninterrupted visual periods. Confirm the event’s rules before timing; club agendas and informal practice can vary.
| Signal | Starts | Timer action |
|---|---|---|
| Green | 1:00 | The minimum contest time has been reached. Keep the green signal visible until 1:30. |
| Yellow | 1:30 | The yellow signal replaces green for 30 seconds. The speaker should begin closing. |
| Red | 2:00 | Red replaces yellow and stays visible until the speaker finishes. |
Read saved times at exact whole-second boundaries
For contests in the July 2026–June 2027 rule year, a Table Topics speech is under the minimum before 1:00, within the timing window from 1:00 through 2:30, and over the maximum at 2:31. The page reports those three states after Save time & next. The official stopwatch record and the chief judge’s process remain authoritative.
Read the 2026–2027 Speech Contest Rulebook (PDF) →A practical next-speaker workflow
- 1. Explain and test the display before the segment.
- 2. Start at the event’s announced timing point.
- 3. Leave red visible until the speaker finishes.
- 4. Save the time, then start the next speaker from zero.
- 5. Copy the numbered log and map it to the agenda privately.
Table Topics timer questions
What are the standard Table Topics timing signals?
For the standard 1–2 minute format, show green at 1:00, yellow at 1:30, and red at 2:00. Red remains visible until the response ends.
What time is within the Table Topics contest qualification window?
Under the Toastmasters 2026–2027 Speech Contest Rulebook, a contestant reaches the minimum at 1:00 and is not over the maximum until 2:31. This tool labels 1:00 through 2:30 as within the timing window.
When should the timer start in a Table Topics contest?
The official contest procedure starts timing with the contestant’s first definite verbal or nonverbal communication with the audience after the introduction and equipment check. A regular club meeting may use its own announced procedure.
How do I time several Table Topics speakers?
At the end of each response, select Save time & next. The page records a speaker number, elapsed time, and timing-window status, then resets for the next person. Use the agenda to map numbers to names.
Does the session timing log store speaker names?
No. The log exists only in the current page session and uses speaker numbers. It does not ask for names, prompts, emails, or speech text. Reloading the page clears the log.
Can I project or keyboard-control the timer?
Yes. Use Fullscreen for a shared display. When focus is not on a link or button, Space starts or pauses, N saves the current time and advances, R resets, and F toggles fullscreen.
Related Table Topics and timer tools
SpeechTimer is an independent timing aid and is not affiliated with or endorsed by Toastmasters International. For an official contest, follow the current rulebook, brief the timers, and use the required official records.