How to present the Timer’s report

In an earlier blog, we discussed how to do the role of a Timer in Toastmasters. Find it here.

New Toastmasters are often confused about the right way to present the Timer’s report. This blog is a deep dive into this specific aspect of a Timer’s role.

The format for presenting a Timer’s report is determined to a large extent by each club’s policy about spelling out individual members time count. Some clubs prefer spelling out the time count of only members who are disqualified while others do the same for every member. In either case, do remember that presenting report occurs in the third session of the meeting, a time when people are already glancing at their watches waiting for the meeting to end. So it is very important that irrespective of the club policies, a Timer’s report should be crisp and quick.

Here is a guide on presenting the Timer’s report in both the cases.

Case 1 – Club spells out time count for only disqualified members.

In this case, the Timer should give a blanket qualification sans details to all speakers / evaluators excluding members who did not qualify. The Timer may mention specific details only on disqualified speakers / evaluators.

Here is how the Timer may present the report in this case.

Case 2 – Club spells out time count for every speaker / evaluator.

In this case, Timer should present a detailed report by spelling out Time taken by every speaker / evaluator. The Timer can conclude by specifying speakers / evaluators who are disqualified for voting.

Here is how the Timer may present the report in this case.

Remember, it’s important to be crisp and quick.

Note – Some clubs time role players like TMOD and GE as well to ensure the meeting is on track. However, their time count is not mentioned while presenting the report.