Speech Timer
For Toastmasters Meetings & Presentations
Free TED Talk Timer
Practice your TED talk or TEDx presentation with this free online timer. It is pre-configured for the standard 18-minute TED talk format with green-yellow-red visual warnings so you know exactly where you stand.
The timer shows green at 15 minutes (you are on track), yellow at 17 minutes (start wrapping up), and red at 18 minutes (time is up). You can customize these thresholds for shorter TED-style talks.
TED Talk Timing Guide
| Format | Duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| TED Talk (standard) | 18 minutes max | The classic TED format — most main-stage talks |
| TEDx Talk | 18 minutes max | Same limit as TED; many TEDx talks are 10-15 minutes |
| TED-Ed Talk | 5-10 minutes | Educational format, shorter and more focused |
| Short TED Talk | 5-8 minutes | Some of the most popular TED talks are under 10 minutes |
Why TED Talks Are 18 Minutes
TED chose the 18-minute limit because research shows it is long enough to convey something meaningful but short enough to hold an audience's attention. After about 18 minutes, listeners experience cognitive fatigue and retention drops. The constraint also forces speakers to distill their ideas to their essence.
Many of the most-viewed TED talks — including those by Ken Robinson, Brené Brown, and Simon Sinek — run between 15 and 18 minutes. Shorter talks (under 10 minutes) also perform well, proving that impact matters more than length.
Tips for Staying Within 18 Minutes
- Write your talk out in full — 2,500 words is roughly 18 minutes at a natural speaking pace
- Practice with this timer at least 5 times before your actual talk
- Cut ruthlessly — if a point does not serve your core idea, remove it
- Plan your timing: 2-3 minutes for the opening, 12-14 minutes for the body, 2-3 minutes for the close
- Leave a 1-minute buffer — finishing at 17 minutes is better than going over
More Timers
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is a TED talk?
TED talks have an 18-minute maximum. Most TED and TEDx speakers aim for 12-18 minutes.
How does this TED talk timer work?
It is pre-set for 18 minutes: green at 15:00, yellow at 17:00, red at 18:00. Press Start or spacebar to begin. You can customize the times for shorter formats.
Can I use this for TEDx events?
Yes. TEDx follows the same 18-minute maximum. This timer provides the visual cues speakers rely on during practice and live events.