Timer

Purpose

The timer helps people speak to their allotted time slot, and so keeps the meeting moving at a snappy pace. It ensures the meeting finishes on time, and that everyone gets a chance to speak.

Before the meeting begins

Ensure the timer works correctly. If it does not (eg flat batteries or broken bulb) organise a substitute with the Sergeant at Arms, perhaps coloured cardboard or ribbons.

Familiarise yourself with the timing requirements of the various speeches, and how to use the stop watch.

At our Club , it is traditional that the old wooden timer is placed in the back corner to the left of the Chairman. The buzzer on the old timer is used in conjunction with the lights from the new timing device.

What to do during your assignment

Work the lights according to the list below. Apart from Table Topics, the usual pattern involves green and orange warning lights as the time limit approaches, and the red light on the time limit. Once the red light goes on, it stays on until the speaker finishes. Sound the buzzer to signal 30 seconds overtime. but note that we do not buzz first-time Ice breakers.

When the time for the business session has elapsed, stand up to attract the attention of the Chairman. When doing this, don't interrupt a speaker. Only stand to announce that the time has elapsed when there is a break in proceedings.

Keep a record of people's times.

When presenting a report at the end of the night, avoid reading out all the times on your list. You won't have time! Make it an exception report, noting chief offenders or very good performers.

An exception to the above rule is that it is customary to read out the times of all prepared speeches.

If the meeting is running close to or overtime, make your report very concise to indicate your regard for time.

Hand back to the person who called you to the front, either the General Evaluator or the Chairman.

Times

		Table topics	2 min limit	2-3 min	4-6 min	5-7 min
	Green		1 min	2 min	4 min	5 min
	Orange		1 min 30 s	2 min 30 s	5 min	6 min
	Red		2 min	3 min	6 min	7 min
))))	Buzzer	55 s	2 min 30 s	3 min 30 s	6 min 30 s	7 min 30 s

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