The Timekeeper is responsible for timing items in the meeting, and signaling at appropriate points.  One of the skills in speech training is expressing oneself within a specific time. The Timekeeper helps those at the meeting practise this.

Prior to the meeting

• Study the Agenda and raise any queries with the Toastmaster of the meeting. In particular, note the times of the prepared speeches.
• Prepare an explanation of your role. Make it interesting - for example, google 'time' for a fascinating fact.

On arrival at the meeting

• Get timing equipment from the Sergeant-at-Arms. Ensure you understand how to operate the stopwatch and signal device, and test that they work.  As backup, have the coloured cards on standby should the signal device malfunction.
• Sit where the signal device can be seen easily by those on stage.

During the meeting

• When introduced, give an explanation of your role and demonstrate the signal device.
• Throughout the meeting, signal each programme participant as required.
• Record each participant's name and time used.
• When called to report by the Toastmaster, come forward and announce the participant's name and the time taken.
• When reporting on the time of each Table Topic, remind the audience in a few words of the subject. This is particularly useful if there is a vote for Best Topics Speaker.

After the meeting

• Return the stopwatch and timing signal device to the Sergeant-at-Arms.