Timer Role Script
Complete guide and script for the Toastmasters Timer role
What is the Timer?
The Timer manages the time for every speaking segment in a Toastmasters meeting. Using colored light signals — green, yellow, and red — you silently communicate to speakers how much time they have left. At the end of the meeting you deliver a report listing each speaker's time to the nearest second.
Opening Introduction Script
"Madam/Mister Toastmaster, fellow Toastmasters, and honored guests.
My role today is Timer. I will be keeping time for all speaking segments in our meeting. I use three colored signals to let speakers know where they stand.
The green light means you have reached the minimum time and may begin wrapping up. The yellow light means you are approaching the maximum time. The red light means you have reached the maximum time and must conclude promptly.
For prepared speeches, the minimum is [X] minutes and the maximum is [Y] minutes. For Table Topics, the minimum is 1 minute and the maximum is 2 minutes. Speakers who fall outside their time range are not eligible for the Best Speaker award.
I will report all times at the end of the meeting. May I have a test of my timing device? Thank you. Back to you, Toastmaster."
Timing Signal Reference
| Segment | Green | Yellow | Red | Overtime |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Prepared Speech (5–7 min) | 5:00 | 6:00 | 7:00 | 7:30 |
| Table Topics (1–2 min) | 1:00 | 1:30 | 2:00 | 2:30 |
| Speech Evaluation (2–3 min) | 2:00 | 2:30 | 3:00 | 3:30 |
| General Evaluator (3–4 min) | 3:00 | 3:30 | 4:00 | 4:30 |
Closing Report Script
"Madam/Mister Toastmaster, fellow Toastmasters, and honored guests.
As your Timer, here are the times for today's meeting:
Prepared Speeches: [Speaker Name] — [time]; [Speaker Name] — [time].
Table Topics: [Speaker Name] — [time]; [and so on for all speakers].
Evaluations: [Evaluator Name] — [time].
Speakers eligible for Best Speaker and Best Table Topics awards are those who stayed within their required time ranges. Back to you, Toastmaster."
Tips for Success
Test your timer before the meeting
Make sure your stopwatch, phone, or timing device is working and fully charged before members arrive.
Sit where speakers can see you
Position yourself in the speaker's direct line of sight so they can easily notice your colored signals.
Track Table Topics too
Table Topics are often forgotten. Start your timer the moment each speaker begins, not when they reach the lectern.
Record to the second
Write down exact times as speakers finish. Rounded times can create confusion over eligibility for awards.