Toastmasters Timer Role Script
Use this Toastmasters timer script for club meetings, online sessions, and role preparation. It includes copyable Timer and timekeeper scripts, timing signals, report templates, and a checklist for the role.
What is the Timer?
The Timer, sometimes called the Timekeeper, manages time for every speaking segment in a Toastmasters meeting. Using green, yellow, and red timing signals, you silently tell speakers where they are in their allotted time. At the end of the meeting, you deliver a Timer report listing each speaker's time to the nearest second.
Copyable Opening Script
Opening introduction for the Timer role
Madam/Mister Toastmaster, fellow Toastmasters, and honored guests. My role today is Timer. I will keep time for prepared speeches, Table Topics, evaluations, and any other timed portions of the meeting. I will use three timing signals. Green means you have reached the minimum time. Yellow means you are near the maximum time. Red means you have reached the maximum time and should finish promptly. For prepared speeches, the timing requirement is [5 to 7 minutes / project time]. Table Topics are 1 to 2 minutes, and evaluations are 2 to 3 minutes. I will record each time and give a report at the end of the meeting. Back to you, Toastmaster.
Toastmasters Timing Signals
Green
Minimum time reached
The speaker is now in the required range and can begin wrapping up naturally.
Yellow
Midpoint or warning signal
The speaker is approaching the maximum time and should move toward the conclusion.
Red
Maximum time reached
The speaker should finish promptly. Keep the signal visible until the speech ends.
Timing Signal Reference
Prepared Speech (5–7 min)
Green
5:00
Yellow
6:00
Red
7:00
Overtime
7:30
Table Topics (1–2 min)
Green
1:00
Yellow
1:30
Red
2:00
Overtime
2:30
Speech Evaluation (2–3 min)
Green
2:00
Yellow
2:30
Red
3:00
Overtime
3:30
General Evaluator (3–4 min)
Green
3:00
Yellow
3:30
Red
4:00
Overtime
4:30
| 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
Closing Timer report script
Madam/Mister Toastmaster, here is the Timer's report. Prepared speeches: - [Speaker name]: [time] ([within time / under time / over time]) - [Speaker name]: [time] ([within time / under time / over time]) Table Topics: - [Speaker name]: [time] ([within time / under time / over time]) Evaluations: - [Evaluator name]: [time] ([within time / under time / over time]) Speakers who were within their required time range are eligible for voting, subject to your club's rules. Back to you, Toastmaster.
Timing Report Template
Copyable timing report notes
Timer report template Prepared speeches 1. Name: Speech title: Time: Status: Within time / Under time / Over time Table Topics 1. Name: Time: Status: Within time / Under time / Over time Evaluations 1. Name: Time: Status: Within time / Under time / Over time Notes for Toastmaster: - Confirm which speakers are eligible before voting begins. - Record exact times to the second.
Online and Zoom Timer Instructions
Choose one visible signal method
Use colored cards on camera, virtual backgrounds, screen-shared color slides, or agreed chat messages. Tell speakers which method to watch before the first speech.
Keep the speaker view practical
Stay on camera with the signal close to your face or ask the host to spotlight/pin the timer when needed so speakers can see the color change.
Use chat as backup, not the only signal
Chat can be missed while speaking. If you use chat, pair it with a visual signal and keep messages short: GREEN, YELLOW, RED.
Plan hybrid meetings deliberately
For hybrid meetings, confirm whether the room timer, online timer, or both will signal speakers. Avoid two conflicting timers.
Contest Timer Warning and Reporting
A Toastmasters speech contest is different from a regular club meeting. Do not give the normal public Timer report unless the contest chair or chief judge specifically asks. Follow the current Speech Contest Rulebook and the chief judge's timer briefing.
Use the official record
The stopwatch timer completes the Time Record Sheet and provides it to the chief judge.
Do not name disqualified speakers
Before results, the contest chair announces the number of time disqualifications, not contestant names.
Check the latest rules
Review the Speech Contest Rulebook before serving as a contest timer.
Timer Role Checklist
- Confirm timing ranges for prepared speeches, Table Topics, evaluations, and special agenda items.
- Test your stopwatch, phone timer, lights, cards, or online color signals before the meeting starts.
- Sit or appear where every speaker can see you without turning away from the audience.
- Start timing when the speaker begins speaking and stop when the speaker has clearly finished.
- Write down every time immediately, including Table Topics and evaluations.
- Report exact times to the second and clarify eligibility only in the way your club expects.
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.