The Timekeeper is in charge of keeping the meeting running to time.


One of the lessons we practice at 1st London Toastmasters is to speak within our allocated time slots. As Timekeeper, you will record the times that each speaker has spoken and report them to the meeting

FUNCTION
In a programme that includes contributions from many speakers, the control of timing is extremely important. This is also an important lesson for speakers to learn, both in and outside of Toastmasters: listeners always like a speaker who doesn't over-run over time!

The Timekeeper's function is to provide timing signals to the participants and to report specifically on the timing performance of topics speakers, prepared speakers and evaluators. The reports also remind the audience of the names of each person (and their subject).

PREPARATION
Using the agenda as a checklist, review the speakers to be timed - all timings are printed down the right hand column in the form: e.g. 3 / 4 / 5 is for Green light at 3 minutes // Amber at 4 // Red at 5. Single figures are for guidance only and need not be timed.

AT THE MEETING
Aim to arrive 15 minutes before the formal start of the meeting to check on arrangements and familiarise yourself with the forms, and stopwatch. Speak to the President if you would like to an experienced member to run through the role with you.

1) Start the timing as per the agenda from when the President opens the meeting and for every subsequent speaker where timings are indicated.
2) After your introduction by the Toastmaster explain the role of Timekeeper, why speaking to time is important, the times on the programme. Remember to take a copy of the agenda with you so you can demonstrate the timings.
3) Keep a running record of meeting progress and a specific record of the times for each table topics speaker - with their names and subjects.
4) When called by the Toastmaster, briefly announce the names, subjects and times for the table topics speakers and comment on any that seriously overran the target time. This is an important opportunity to remind club members of people's names.
(If necessary, comment also on any lapses in the overall timing of the meeting including the start time, the overall timing of the topics session etc.)
5) Record of the time taken by the Table Topics Evaluator.

In the second half of the meeting –
When the formal speeches start, record each speaker, their subject and the time taken.
When asked by the Toastmaster report back with the names of each speaker, their subject and time taken.
Record the times for each speech evaluator, the name of the person they are evaluating and the time taken.
Record the time taken by the Grammarian
7) Report on the name & time of each speaker and evaluator (including the Topics Evaluator) when invited to do so by the Toastmaster.