Speech timer
A free speech timer that opens on five minutes, the lower limit of a standard Toastmasters speech. Put it fullscreen on a laptop facing the speaker and the whole room runs on the same clock. Also searched as toastmasters timer, debate timer, speaking timer.
Toastmasters speech lengths
| Speech type | Time | Green / yellow / red |
|---|---|---|
| Ice Breaker | 4–6 min | 4:00 / 5:00 / 6:00 |
| Prepared speech | 5–7 min | 5:00 / 6:00 / 7:00 |
| Evaluation | 2–3 min | 2:00 / 2:30 / 3:00 |
| Table Topics | 1–2 min | 1:00 / 1:30 / 2:00 |
Club timers show green at the minimum, yellow in the middle and red at the maximum. With aTimer, set the maximum and read the digits: on the 7 minute timer, 2:00 left is the green card, 1:00 left is yellow and the alarm is red.
Debate formats
| Format | Speeches, in minutes |
|---|---|
| Lincoln-Douglas | 1AC 6 · CX 3 · 1NC 7 · CX 3 · 1AR 4 · 2NR 6 · 2AR 3 |
| Public Forum | Constructives 4 · Crossfire 3 · Rebuttals 4 · Summaries 3 · Grand crossfire 3 · Final focus 2 |
Leagues adjust these and prep time differs by tournament, so check your rules. Click the digits before each speech and press Enter. The stopwatch is better for prep time, since it counts up and pauses between uses.
Other speaking occasions
- Wedding toast: 2 to 3 minutes. Longer toasts lose the room after the first laugh.
- Elevator pitch: 30 to 60 seconds.
- Eulogy: 3 to 5 minutes, written out in full.
- Class presentation: whatever the teacher set, rehearsed to 90 percent of it.
Rehearse with the 5 minute timer first, then with the full seven. For slide decks and conference slots, see the presentation timer.
Frequently asked questions
How do I show green, yellow and red like a Toastmasters timer?
Set the maximum time and watch the digits. For a 5 to 7 minute speech, 2:00 left is green, 1:00 left is yellow, and the alarm is red.
Can I time a speech silently?
Yes. Choose Silent in the Sound menu. The ring and digits still show the time, and Notify can send a desktop alert to the timekeeper.
How do I time debate prep?
Use the stopwatch mode. Press Space to start and pause as each side uses prep, and L to record each use as a lap.
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