Timer Tool

The timer keeps your sessions on track by showing participants how much time remains for activities. Visible countdowns create focus and help groups self-manage their time.

Why Use Timers

For Facilitators

• Keep sessions on schedule
• Signal transitions clearly
• Reduce "how much time do we have?" questions
• Create urgency for activities
• Free yourself from clock-watching

For Participants

• Know how much time remains
• Self-manage within timeboxes
• Reduce anxiety about running out of time
• Focus on the task at hand

Timer Basics

Starting a Timer

1. Find the Timer control in the facilitator toolbar (or Tools menu)
2. Set the duration in seconds
3. Optionally enable Auto-start
4. Click Activate or Start
5. Timer becomes visible to all participants

Timer Controls

Once a timer is active, facilitators can:

What Participants See

• The countdown display showing time remaining
• Visual indicator of time passing
• Color changes to indicate urgency (red when overdue)

Note: Only facilitators see and can use the timer controls. Participants see the countdown but cannot pause, stop, or modify it.

Timer Configuration

When creating or editing a timer, you can set:

How the Timer Works

Countdown Behavior

• Timer counts down from the set duration to zero
• When time reaches zero, the timer stops but remains visible
• Timer does not automatically close or trigger actions at zero
• Facilitator must manually stop or close the timer when done

Timer with Agenda Items

Timers can also be attached to agenda items:

• When an agenda item with a duration is activated, its timer starts
• The timer appears in the title bar area
• Progress indicator shows how much time has elapsed

Using Timers Effectively

Setting Appropriate Times

The Time Announcement Pattern

Before starting:

"You have 5 minutes for this activity. I'll put a timer on screen so you can see the countdown."

Time warnings:

"Two minutes remaining." "One minute left—start wrapping up." "30 seconds."

At completion:

"Time's up! Let's come back together."

Managing Timer Anxiety

Some participants stress about timers. Help them by:

• Explaining that timers are guides, not strict deadlines
• Giving verbal warnings before timer ends
• Being willing to add time if needed
• Framing positively: "You have a full 10 minutes"

Common Timer Scenarios

Activity with Hard Stop

Setup: Timer with full duration, watch for zero

Script:

"This activity is exactly 10 minutes. When the timer reaches zero, we need to move on regardless of where you are. Budget your time accordingly."

Flexible Activity

Setup: Timer as guide, be ready to add time

Script:

"Aim for about 5 minutes. If you need a bit more time, that's okay—I can add a minute or two."

Presentations

Setup: Timer visible to presenter

Script:

"Each presenter has 3 minutes. The timer will count down, and I'll signal when you have 30 seconds left."

Timer Best Practices

Planning Your Timing

Before the session:

1. Estimate time for each activity
2. Add buffer between activities (2-5 min)
3. Build in flex time somewhere
4. Know what you'll cut if you run long

During the Session

Watch for signs you need to adjust:

• Groups finishing early (timer too long)
• Rushed energy, stress (timer too short)
• Great discussion happening (worth extending)
• Energy dropping (time to move on)

When to Extend

• Valuable discussion happening
• Groups clearly need more time
• Quality matters more than coverage

Use the + button to add a minute at a time.

When to Cut Short

• Activity completed early
• Energy has dropped
• Running behind overall

Use the Stop button and move on.

Troubleshooting

"Timer not visible to participants"

1. Verify timer is activated (not just created)
2. Make sure the timer is started (play button pressed)
3. Have participants refresh if needed

"Timer stuck at zero"

This is expected behavior—the timer stops at zero but doesn't automatically close. Click the X or Stop button to dismiss it.

"Need to change duration"

1. Stop the current timer
2. Create a new timer with the correct duration
3. Or use the +/- buttons to adjust while running

"Wrong time shown"

If the timer seems out of sync:

1. Check your internet connection
2. Refresh the page
3. Stop and restart the timer

Related Guides

• Your First Session - Facilitation fundamentals
• Using Breakout Rooms - Group activities
• System Check - Verify your setup