When do the lights change?

Green at the shortest time, yellow halfway between the shortest and the longest, red at the longest. For 4 to 6 minutes that’s green at 4, yellow at 5 and red at 6.

Is this the same as club timing lights?

It follows the common convention. Some clubs set the lights at different points, so check yours before you rely on it.

How long should a speech be?

It depends on the room. A toast runs two to three minutes, a eulogy three to five, and most assigned speeches four to six or five to seven. At a normal pace that’s about 130 words a minute, so a five-minute speech is roughly 650 words.

How should I practice with a timer?

Out loud, standing up, the way you’ll actually give it. If you hit red, cut a section instead of talking faster. Aim to land a little before the longest time, so a pause or a laugh doesn’t push you over.

Can I use this for the real thing?

Prop it where you can see it, sure. If you’d rather not look at a clock at all, that’s what PalmCue is for: a tap on your hand when you’re behind and one long buzz at time.

A speech timer with timing lights

Set the shortest and longest you’re allowed to go. The screen turns green once you’ve said enough, yellow halfway through the window, and red when you’re out of time. The same lights a speaking club timer holds up, on whatever screen you’ve got.

How long

0:00

Keep going

The screen stays on while it runs.

Questions

When do the lights change?: Green at the shortest time, yellow halfway between the shortest and the longest, red at the longest. For 4 to 6 minutes that’s green at 4, yellow at 5 and red at 6.
Is this the same as club timing lights?: It follows the common convention. Some clubs set the lights at different points, so check yours before you rely on it.
How long should a speech be?: It depends on the room. A toast runs two to three minutes, a eulogy three to five, and most assigned speeches four to six or five to seven. At a normal pace that’s about 130 words a minute, so a five-minute speech is roughly 650 words.
How should I practice with a timer?: Out loud, standing up, the way you’ll actually give it. If you hit red, cut a section instead of talking faster. Aim to land a little before the longest time, so a pause or a laugh doesn’t push you over.
Can I use this for the real thing?: Prop it where you can see it, sure. If you’d rather not look at a clock at all, that’s what PalmCue is for: a tap on your hand when you’re behind and one long buzz at time.

A timer you feel instead of watch

PalmCue keeps time at the podium without a screen to check. One tap on your hand if you fall behind, one long buzz at time, nothing a camera catches. $0.99 once, when it’s out.

See PalmCue