Free timer · no account · works offline
Speech Timer
A speech timer, not a stopwatch. Put the room clock on a laptop or second screen. Starts on a 5–7 minute speech; change the preset or type your own times.
- 4
- clear signals
- 9
- ready presets
- 0
- setup required
Choose the speaking format
Set the timing signals
Space start / pauseF fullscreenM muteR reset
01 · Run the room
The speech clock you put where the speaker can see it
This page is the live room clock: a speech timer, not a stopwatch. Open it on a laptop or second screen, point it at the speaker, pick a length, and press Start Timer. Nothing needs to be downloaded and no account is required.
Green, yellow, and red are the only things the speaker needs to read from a distance. For Zoom or Meet tab-share, use the online speech timer. Club meeting presets live on the Toastmasters speech timer.
Start or pause
Select the button or press Space.
Use fullscreen
Press F or select the fullscreen control.
Mute alerts
Press M whenever you only need visual signals.
Reuse your setup
Share a link or copy the timer embed code.
02 · Read the signals
What each speech timing signal means
Before green
Keep speaking; the minimum time has not been reached.
Green
You have reached the minimum time for the speech.
Yellow
Begin your conclusion and prepare to finish.
Red
The maximum time has been reached; finish now.
Overtime
Thirty seconds past red on the built-in presets; the speaker is over time.
03 · Start from a measured preset
Common speech timer presets
These presets are already available in the timer. Thresholds come from the selected preset or Custom, not from a club rulebook. Edit any time before starting if your event uses different signals.
| Preset | Range | Signals | Useful for |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1–2 minutes | 1–2 minutes | Green 1:00 · Yellow 1:30 · Red 2:00 | Impromptu answers (Table Topics is one use) |
| 2–3 minutes | 2–3 minutes | Green 2:00 · Yellow 2:30 · Red 3:00 | Short feedback and evaluations |
| 4–6 minutes | 4–6 minutes | Green 4:00 · Yellow 5:00 · Red 6:00 | First prepared speeches and introductions |
| 5–7 minutes (default) | 5–7 minutes | Green 5:00 · Yellow 6:00 · Red 7:00 | Standard prepared speeches and rehearsals |
04 · Match the room
Choose a timer for your speaking format
The main timer works for any speech. These focused guides explain the recommended setup for a particular setting or type of talk.
Planning from a script? Estimate delivery time with the words-to-minutes calculator. For impromptu prompts, open the Table Topics generator.
05 · Common questions
Speech timer questions
How do I use the speech timer?
Choose a preset or enter your own green, yellow, red and overtime thresholds. Select Start Timer, then pause with the spacebar or the on-screen control. Reset when you are ready to begin another speech.
What do the green, yellow and red signals mean?
Green shows that the minimum speaking time has been reached. Yellow is the warning to begin wrapping up. Red marks the maximum time, and the darker overtime signal appears 30 seconds later on the built-in presets.
Which speech length should I start with?
This page opens on a 5–7 minute prepared speech (green 5:00, yellow 6:00, red 7:00). Switch presets for a shorter or longer talk, or choose Custom. Club meeting presets belong on the Toastmasters speech timer.
Can I set a custom time for a speech?
Yes. Select Custom and enter each threshold as minutes and seconds, total seconds, or a value such as 2m. The four times must increase in order from green through overtime.
Can I use this speech timer as a laptop or second-screen room clock?
Yes. Open this page on a laptop, tablet, or phone, start the clock, and use fullscreen so the speaker can read green, yellow, and red from the room. For Zoom or Meet tab-share, use the online speech timer.
Is this speech timer free?
Yes. The timer is free to use without creating an account or installing an app.
Is this a speech timer online, or do I need an app?
It is a speech timer online. Open this page on a laptop, tablet, or second screen, start the clock, and use fullscreen so the speaker can see green, yellow, and red from the room. There is no app to install.
What is the difference between a speech timer and a stopwatch?
A stopwatch only counts elapsed time. This speech timer also changes color at the minimum, warning, and maximum times so a speaker can pace without watching the digits.