Can I use this timer for TEDx events?

Yes. TEDx talks also use an 18-minute maximum. This timer works for TEDx rehearsal rooms, speaker coaching sessions, and day-of-event timing.

What is the best way to rehearse with a TED timer?

Run the talk from start to finish, note where green and yellow appear, then cut or move material until the ending lands before the red cue. Leave a small buffer for applause, pauses, and stage movement.

TED Talk Timer Online

18-minute TED and TEDx-style presentation timer

Select Speech Type

Timing Thresholdse.g. 1:30, 90, 2m

Green

Yellow

Red

Space start/pauseF fullscreenM mute

Toastmasters Timer Table Topics TED Talk Timer Words to Minutes Speech Topics Debate Timer

Built by Arbaz

TED-style presentation timer

Practice the 18-minute TED talk format

Use this TED talk timer online for TED, TEDx, and TED-style presentation rehearsals. It is pre-configured for an 18-minute talk with green, yellow, and red visual timing cues so speakers, coaches, and event timers can see the timing status at a glance.

The default settings are green at 15:00, yellow at 17:00, red at 18:00, and a 19:00 safety margin. Keep those thresholds for a standard 18-minute TED talk timer, or customize them for shorter conference talks and TEDx rehearsal formats.

18-minute timing settings

Opening

0:00-2:30

State the core idea, set the stakes, and earn attention before the first major story or proof point.

Build

2:30-12:00

Move through the story, evidence, demo, or contrast that makes the idea memorable.

Green cue

15:00

You are on track, but the ending should already be in sight. Avoid adding unscripted material here.

Yellow cue

17:00

Start the final turn. Land the takeaway, call to reflection, or closing image.

Red cue

18:00

Time is up. A rehearsed TED or TEDx talk should finish here or slightly before.

Buffer

19:00

Use only as a safety margin for applause, pauses, or event timing handoff.

TED and TEDx rehearsal structure

A strong TED-style talk usually has one clear idea, a human opening, a few proof points or stories, and a close that returns to the audience. Rehearse the full arc instead of practicing isolated sections only, because transitions and pauses often decide whether the talk stays inside 18 minutes.

Opening hook and idea: about 2 to 3 minutes.
Main story, evidence, or demonstration: about 11 to 13 minutes.
Final turn and closing line: about 2 to 3 minutes.

1First pass: read the script aloud and mark the time at every major section.
2Second pass: rehearse without stopping and note where the green, yellow, and red cues appear.
3Third pass: remove material after the yellow cue until the closing line lands before 18:00.
4Final pass: practice with slides, clicker, stage movement, and intentional pauses.

Word count guidance for an 18-minute TED talk

Most speakers land between 130 and 150 spoken words per minute on stage. That puts an 18-minute TED talk around 2,300 to 2,700 words before accounting for applause, laughter, slide changes, and deliberate silence.

2,300

words at a measured pace with more pauses.

2,500

words for many rehearsed TED-style talks.

2,700

words if your delivery is quick and clean.

If your script is longer than that range, cut examples before cutting the central idea. A talk that finishes at 17:30 usually feels more controlled than one that rushes through the red cue.

Day-of-event use

For speakers

Open the timer before stepping on stage and confirm the thresholds match the event brief.
Use fullscreen mode so the color cue is visible from the lectern or confidence monitor.
Treat yellow as the start of the closing section, not as a reminder to speed up.

For event timers

Start the timer when the speaker begins speaking, not when the introduction starts.
Keep sound enabled for rehearsal rooms and muted for live rooms if visual timing is enough.
Reset between speakers and verify the display is visible before the next talk begins.

Tips for staying within 18 minutes

Write the talk out in full, then rehearse from memory or speaker notes.
Practice with this TED timer at least five times before the actual talk.
Cut anything that does not serve the core idea, especially after the yellow cue.
Leave a 30 to 60 second buffer for audience reaction and natural pauses.
Time slide transitions, demos, props, and stage movement during rehearsal.

Related timers and tools

TEDx Timer Online Speech Timer Lightning Talk Timer Keynote Speech Timer Conference Speech Timer Words to Minutes Word Counter Toastmasters Speech Timer

Frequently asked questions

How long is a TED talk?

TED talks have an 18-minute maximum. Many TED and TEDx speakers aim for 12 to 18 minutes depending on the topic, format, and event guidance.

How does this TED talk timer work?

It is pre-set for the 18-minute format: green at 15:00, yellow at 17:00, red at 18:00, and a 19:00 safety margin. Press Start or the spacebar to begin.

Can I use this for TEDx events?

Yes. It works as a TEDx timer for speaker rehearsals, coaching sessions, backstage timing, and live event timing when the speaker needs visual cues.

How many words fit in an 18-minute TED talk?

A typical 18-minute TED-style presentation is about 2,300 to 2,700 words. Use fewer words if the talk includes audience reaction, demos, or heavy slide transitions.

What if my TED-style talk is shorter than 18 minutes?

Use the editable thresholds above the start button. For example, a 10-minute talk might use green at 8:00, yellow at 9:00, red at 10:00, and a short buffer after that.

Not an official TED product

This page is an independent TED-style presentation timer for rehearsal and event timing. Always follow the timing rules given by your specific TEDx organizer, conference chair, or speaking coach.