Timing

Timing is a part of club meetings as well as various other Toastmasters events. Time management is a leadership attribute which Toastmasters learn in the educational curriculum. The individual responsible for timing is the Timer. In a Speech Contest, there may be a Chief Timer and an Assistant Timer.

Timing may be done via various methods. Timing lights are often used, and may be purchased from the Toastmasters International Online Store. Timing cards are frequently used, and come as part of the club's Charter Kit. A club may use hand-held flags that are colored green, yellow and red. Hand signals may even be used, and are listed in the Advanced Communication Manual Communicating on Video. In 2016 Toastmasters also came out with an electronic app.

Speeches are usually 5 to 7 minutes, but some manual speeches may be as short as 2 to 3 minutes. On the upper end, a few advanced speeches can take more than an hour. Table Topics are 1 to 2 minutes, while Evaluations are usually 2 to 3 minutes. In each case there may be a grace period.

In a Speech Contest, a contestant can be disqualified for not completing the speech within the time guidelines. See the Speech Contest Rulebook.