Role Description

General

The role of the Timer is to keep track of time during the meeting. Each speaker has an allotted time range to speak and the timer is responsible for notifying them how much time has passed. To notify speakers of how much time they have left, you will hold up cards of different colors. The time range that each speaker must fall within is typically one-minute or two-minutes long. At the start of the speakers time range, you will show the green card. Half-way through the speakers time range, you will show the yellow card. At the end of the speakers time range, you will show the red card. Reference the chart below to identify how much time each speaker has and at what times you should show them the cards. Request a copy of the Timer worksheet from the sergeant at arms to keep track. If a worksheet is not available, be prepared to take notes. Please arrive ten minutes prior to the start of the meeting and find out the lengths of each of the prepared speeches.

Timer Table

When you are called upon at the beginning of the meeting

1. Stand facing the audience
2. Introduce yourself
3. Describe your role
   • Discuss how much time each of the prepared speakers has and at what times you will show them the cards. Make sure you show the audience each color while you are explaining the timing rules.
   • Mention that each speaker will have 30 seconds to finish once the red card is shown.

During the meeting

• Show the color cards to each speaker so they know how much time they have
  • Keep holding the card all the way through the time period
  • Hold the Red card until the speaker is finished
• Make sure to record the final times on the Timer Worksheet.
• At the start of the Table Topics portion of the meeting, you will be asked to stand facing the audience and:
  • Provide the timing rules for each Table Topic Speaker.
  • Remind speakers that they must fall within the time range to be eligible for Best Table Topics Speaker.
  • Keep holding the card all the way through the time period
  • Hold the Red card until the speaker is finished

During the evaluations

• You will be asked to stand facing the audience and give your report
• Discuss who fell short of their time range, who fell within their time range, and who exceeded their time range.

General Tips

• When you are holding the color cards for speakers, make sure you are holding it high enough for them to notice, and not putting the card down until the section changes.