In a formal meeting, what is the primary duty of the timekeeper?

• A. Record decisions and assign actions
• B. Keeps track of time and notifies group when allocated times are up
• C. Manage the agenda
• D. Facilitate discussion

Answer: (B)

The main responsibility is to monitor how long each agenda item takes and to signal when the allotted time for that item is up. This keeps the meeting on schedule, ensures there’s time for all items, and prevents one topic from overrunning and pushing out others. The timekeeper is typically focused on timing and notices, using a timer or signals to alert the group as time winds down and when it has expired. This role is distinct from recording decisions and assigning actions (that’s the minutes/secretary), managing the overall agenda (often the chair or facilitator), or guiding the discussion (the chair or facilitator), whose duties involve structure and participation rather than strict time tracking.