How to use the debate and speech timer
Choose Debate or Speech at the top, then pick your format from the list and the timer loads every speech in order, with the right length and the right side. Press Start when the speaker stands up. The clock counts up by default, so the speaker can see how long they have spoken; tick “Count down” if your league prefers to show the time left. Bells ring at the points where points of information open and close, and a double bell rings when time is up.
When a speech ends, press Next. The speech record keeps one line per speech with the speaker's name, how long they spoke, and whether they went over. Type names into the speech list before the round to have them saved in the record. If you press something by mistake, Undo puts it back. Everything stays in your own browser; nothing is uploaded.
Speech times by format
| Format | Speeches | Prep | Points of information |
|---|---|---|---|
| World Schools (WSDC) | 6 speeches of 8 min, then 2 reply speeches of 4 min (Opposition replies first) | 1 hour for impromptu motions; prepared motions are set in advance | Allowed after the 1st minute and before the last; none in replies |
| British Parliamentary (BP) | 8 speeches of 7 min, 4 teams of 2 | 15 min | Allowed after the 1st minute and before the last |
| Asian Parliamentary | 6 speeches of 7 min, then 2 replies of 4 min | Usually 30 min | Allowed after the 1st minute and before the last; none in replies |
| Asian Parliamentary Junior | 6 speeches of 4 min, then 2 replies of 2 min | Varies by tournament | Allowed after the 1st minute and before the last; none in replies |
| Public Forum | Constructive 4, Crossfire 3, Rebuttal 4, Crossfire 3, Summary 3, Grand Crossfire 3, Final Focus 2 | 3 min per team, used between speeches | None; questions happen in crossfire |
| Lincoln-Douglas | AC 6, CX 3, NC 7, CX 3, 1AR 4, NR 6, 2AR 3 | 4 min per debater | None; questions happen in cross-examination |
| Policy (CX) | 4 constructives of 8 min, each followed by 3 min of cross-examination, then 4 rebuttals of 5 min | Often 8 min per team | None; questions happen in cross-examination |
These are the most common timings, but leagues change them, especially for younger students. Always check the rules of the tournament you are going to.
Speech mode
Switch to Speech for public speaking events. Each format has the usual time limit and grace period, and the clock warns you 30 seconds before the end. You can open a format directly with a link such as timer.html#extemp, which is what the random speech prompt does.
| Format | Timing | How the timer works |
|---|---|---|
| NSDA Impromptu | 7 minutes in total for prep and speech, 30-second grace | One clock. Press Start when you see the prompt and Start speaking when you begin; the record shows prep and speaking time separately. |
| Extemp | 30 minutes prep, then up to 7 minutes | A prep clock, then the speech. Press Next speech when prep ends. |
| Original Oratory | Up to 10 minutes | One speech, bell 30 seconds before the end |
| Informative | Up to 10 minutes | One speech, bell 30 seconds before the end |
| Toastmasters Table Topics | 1 to 2 minutes | Green at 1:00, yellow at 1:30, red at 2:00 |
| Toastmasters prepared speech | 5 to 7 minutes | Green at 5:00, yellow at 6:00, red at 7:00 |
| Elevator pitch | About 1 minute | Bell at 0:30 and at 1:00 |
| Three Minute Thesis | 3 minutes, one slide | No grace period |
| Custom | Your own prep, speech length and grace period | Add a minimum time to get green, yellow and red lights |
Toastmasters timing lights
At a Toastmasters meeting the timer holds up a green card or light when the speaker reaches the minimum time, yellow as a signal to start wrapping up, and red when the maximum time is reached. In the Table Topics and prepared speech formats the band behind the clock changes colour in the same way, so a speaker can see it from the lectern. The lights are silent; a bell only rings at red, and only if bell sounds are on.
What is protected time?
In World Schools, BP and Asian Parliamentary, the first and last minute of each main speech are “protected”: the other side may not offer points of information. The single bell at 1:00 tells the room that points of information are now allowed, and the bell one minute before the end tells them to stop. Reply speeches are protected throughout.
How a timekeeper should signal
- One knock or bell when protected time ends, and one when it begins again.
- Two at the end of the speech.
- Speakers usually get a short grace period, often 15 to 20 seconds, to finish a sentence. After that, keep knocking until they stop.
Questions
Can I use the timer on a phone?
Yes. It works in any modern browser, and the screen stays readable from across a classroom. Turn the sound on if the speaker cannot see the screen.
Does the speech record save after I close the page?
Yes, on the same device and browser. Use Clear all to start a new round.
How does the impromptu clock work?
In NSDA Impromptu the seven minutes are shared: whatever you do not use for preparation, you can use for speaking. Start the clock when you draw your prompts and press Start speaking when you stand up. The bar shows where you started speaking, and the clock keeps running toward 7:00.
How long should prep be for practice?
Match the tournament you are training for. For beginners, start with longer prep, such as 30 minutes for a BP motion, and cut it to 15 as they improve.