How to Timer the RDG Way

Logistics & Role Explanation

The timer is usually seated towards the rear of the room so that the speaker can easily see the time signals. You may want to quickly verify that the speakers can see your flags from where you are sitting.

During the beginning of the meeting, you will be called upon by the Toastmaster (or perhaps the General Evaluator) to explain your duties. You should stand, acknowledge the Toastmaster, and say something like:

“To help condition ourselves not to be long-winded, I will be timing all of our speakers today in Table Topics, prepared speeches, and evaluations. The green flag means that you have spoken for the minimum amount of time. The yellow flag is the midpoint. Finally, the red flag shows the maximum amount of time. Speakers will be disqualified if they speak more than 30 seconds under or over time, with the exception of Table Topics, where participants must speak for one minute minimum. Speakers exceeding the maximum time limit may be cut off due to meeting time limits.”

Afterwards, return control with “Mr./Madam Toastmaster” and sit down.

Timing Speeches, Table Topics, & Evaluations

Timing officially begins with the first word or action intended to gain the audience’s attention. Timing stops when the speaker surrenders control (usually by saying “Mr./Madame Toastmaster” or them gesturing towards them). When the speaker reaches the minimum time, hold up the green flag (or turn to that timing light) and leave it up (or on). When (and if) the midpoint is reached, take down the green flag and switch to the yellow. Finally, if the maximum time is reached, hold up the red flag. Do not wave the flags or make sounds to get attention.

When the speaker completes, take down any flags or turn off any lights and record the time.

Providing the Timer's Report

Near the end of each section, ensure that the member in control (Toastmaster, Table Topics Master, or General Evaluator) calls upon you to give a Timer’s report. Your summary can be something like this:

“Mr./Madam (Role), all speakers qualified. (Speaker #1 name) came in at (time #2), and (speaker #2 name) came in at (time #2).” (if all speakers met the time requirements)

“Mr./Madam (Role), (speaker #1 name) did not qualify. (Speaker #2 name) did qualify. (Speaker #1 name) came in at (time #2), and (speaker #2 name) came in at (time #2).” (if one speaker didn’t qualify)

 If you are skipped or forgotten, raise your hand and use something like the following:

“Mr./Madam (Role), point of order: We need to have a timer’s report.”

Keeping the Meeting On-Pace

The other major duty of the timer is to monitor the overall time that the meeting is taking. This is especially important for corporate clubs that may only have an hour (or less) to complete their meeting. If you have more flexibility in your meeting time, it's still important to make sure that the meeting starts and concludes on time. Even with people having a good time, ninety minutes tends to be the maximum a meeting can go before people get exhausted or need a break.

Some agendas will have specified times on them, but precise timing is rare. A good rule of thumb is if you have one speaker, your meeting should be 60 minutes long. Two speakers equals 75 minutes. Three speakers equals 90 minutes. While speakers usually go for just 5-7 minutes, remember that you have time spent introducing them as well as evaluating them. You must also factor in opening and closing the meeting.