In this article we look at:
What is a countdown timer and why would I use it?
A countdown timer does not only add a level of excitement to your polls. It also prompts your participants to answer a poll in a given time.
A countdown timer can also be used to close your poll automatically. It is especially popular when used in quizzes and adds to the excitement & flow of the polling session.
How does a countdown timer work?
A countdown timer is optional and can easily be managed from the control bar in Present view as and when you wish. Alternatively, set up a countdown timer that will appear automatically when each poll is opened.
As soon as the timer is started, a countdown timer will appear in Present View & participant apps, counting the specified time backward. When it reaches 0, it closes the poll automatically.
The default timer is set for 10 seconds, but this setting can be changed even whilst the timer is open. You can either use the countdown timer with or without music. Even choose different music tunes from our library. But you cannot upload your own sound clip to the countdown timer.
- The length of the timer can be adjusted.
- Timers can be canceled.
- You can manually close a poll early, even if the timer has not reached zero.
- You cannot use countdown timers in surveys, only in live polling.
How do I set up a countdown timer?
Countdown timers can be used impromptu – it is always available (in your control bar/dashboard) when you ask a poll, or it can be set up in advance so that it appears automatically on each poll.
1. To set up your countdown timer for impromptu use:
You do not need to set up anything in advance. Just activate it manually when you open the poll in Present view. See the instructions below.
2. To set up your countdown timer in advance, do the following:
From within your session press the 'Settings' button on the navigation menu.
Then choose the 'Features' tab.
The default setting is that the countdown timer music is enabled and will play the "Chill" melody. Click on the dropdown arrow next to the music clip to see other sound options. When you press the play button a demo sound will play until you stop it. Now choose your sound clip by clicking on the sound clip name. This chosen sound clip will play until the poll is closed, whether it is automatically or closed manually. Or toggle the enable countdown timer music to off (greyed out) should you wish not to use any sound.
Turn on the 'Automatic countdown timer'. A 10 second default timer will appear next to the setting. Change the seconds if you need more or less time.
Press the 'Save' button. The countdown timer will automatically start in Present view as soon as you open the poll. It will appear on all your polling questions.
How to run a poll with an impromptu countdown timer in Present view?
Start a 10 second countdown timer
When you open the poll and are ready to start the timer, press the start timer button.
- Participants can start voting as soon as the poll is open. They do not need to wait for the timer to start.
- The timer's default setting will always be 10 seconds.
- The poll will close automatically when the timer reaches zero.
Start a longer countdown timer
If you know you want the timer to be longer, first select the 30 sec or 1 min in the 'time adjustment' option next to the timer option. Then press the timer option to start the countdown. All consecutive countdown timers that are activated will remember the new time setting.
Add more time to your running countdown timer
If you have started your timer but decide to add more time, use the 'time adjustment' option. When you click on the 10 sec, 30 sec or 1 min– it will automatically be added to the timer already running.
Cancel your countdown timer
The countdown timer can also be canceled. However, it will not close the poll.
Pause your countdown timer
Should you wish to explain the question while the countdown timer is running, pause the timer and press resume when you are ready to continue with the timer again. (Participants can still vote when the timer is in pause or cancel mode).
How to run a poll with a countdown timer from the dashboard?
Open the poll. The default timer setting will be next to the 'Start timer' button.
Optional: If you want to change the timer, select the 'Time adjustment' button and select your option.
Press the 'Start timer' button, and the countdown will start. When it reaches zero, it will close the poll automatically. You will see the countdown timer in your Present view window in the top right of your dashboard screen.
Use the 'Pause' button or the 'Time adjustment' button to pause/cancel your timer. Note that it is only the timer that will be paused/canceled. The poll will stay open until you select the 'Stop poll' button.
Mute the sound of the count down timer:
This can be done directly from Present view or inside the dashboard by clicking on the sound icon. Note: this will not stop the actual countdown timer, only the sound.
Why is my sound clip not playing?
Check that:
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- You have given your browser permission to play music.
- The music will only play if you open or use a countdown timer.