How the debate timer works
Pick your format from the dropdown and the timer sets each speaker’s length and marks their protected time automatically. Press Start when the speaker begins; the bar fills as they speak, with the protected minutes shaded at each end. Next speaker steps through the whole round in order, so one timer runs the entire debate. You can rename any speaker — drop in real names or team names and they show large on the display and the projector, with the debate role kept underneath.
What the bells mean
Timerr rings the traditional debating knocks so the room knows where a speech stands, and you can turn them off for silent rounds:
- One knock — the first protected minute is over; points of information may now be offered.
- One knock — the final protected minute has begun; POIs are closed again.
- Two knocks — the speech time is up.
- Continuous — the grace period has ended; the speaker should stop.
Supported formats
The presets carry the real timings so you don’t have to remember them:
- British Parliamentary — eight speakers, seven minutes each, protected first and last minute.
- World Schools — six eight-minute substantive speeches with protected first and last minute, then two four-minute reply speeches with no POIs.
- Custom — set any speech length and protected window for Lincoln-Douglas, Public Forum, British Schools, or your own club’s rules.
Points of information, protected time and reply speeches are debating conventions, not anyone’s trademark — Timerr implements the mechanics, not any organisation’s branding.
Frequently asked questions
What is protected time?
The opening and closing minute of most parliamentary-style speeches, during which no points of information may be offered. Timerr shades those minutes on the bar and knocks once when they end and once when the closing minute begins.
When can you offer a point of information?
Only during unprotected time — between the first knock (end of the opening protected minute) and the second knock (start of the closing protected minute).
How long are British Parliamentary speeches?
Seven minutes each, for all eight speakers, with the first and last minute protected. That's the default when you choose the BP preset.
Can I use it on a projector or big screen?
Yes — the fullscreen button turns it into a room-readable display with just the speaker, the time and the bar.
Can I put this on my club's website?
Yes, free — copy the embed snippet above. It carries a small link back to Timerr, which is the only "payment" we ask.