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.

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.

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 is 1 to 2 minutes, while Evaluations are usually 2 to 3 minutes. In each case there may be a grace period.