Time is of the essence….
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To be a good speaker one of the skills you have to posses is the ability to express your thoughts within a specific time frame. This is one of the speaking skills that is monitored on a weekly basis at our Toastmaster meetings. There are several roles that are filled by members during a meeting for example: Toastmaster, Speaker, Table Topics Master, General Evaluator, Speech Evaluator, Grammarian, and Timer.
When you are assigned the role of timer you have several duties you are to fulfill. First you are responsible for timing each speech to make sure they are within the allotted time frames. Each speech from the Competent Communicator and Advanced Communicator series varies in length. You also time table topic speeches which are 1 to 2 minute impromptu speeches given on a topic at the meeting and speech evaluations which are 2 to 3 minute evaluations of each assigned speech given by an assigned evaluator. In addition to just timing and keeping record of the times, you are responsible for running the signal light to let the speaker know where they are in relation to their speech time frame. The signal light looks like a traffic signal light with a green, yellow, and red lights. The green light means you have reached the minimum time in your allotted time frame, the yellow light means that you are halfway between the minimum and maximum time allotted, and the red light means that you have reached your maximum amount of time allotted. |
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In a meeting there is no penalty for speaking under or over the time allotted when giving a speech, but it does help in becoming more conscience of your speaking time. However, when you participate in speech contest in Toastmasters International, timing is everything. If you speak +/- 30 seconds on speeches and evaluations or +/- 15 seconds on table topics you can be disqualified from the contest.
So you can see that timing is an important key to becoming a successful speaker and something that is not taken lightly by a Toastmaster. Always remember that when giving any speech that audiences appreciate those who are mindful of time frames. |
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Lacey W. Crowe CC
Member | Gem City Forum Toastmasters Club # 296 |
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