Run the timer
Start or pause the current item from one primary control.
Host View
Run the live session from Host.
Host is the private control workspace for a PresentationTimer room. Use it to start and pause the active timer, move through the agenda, correct time when the session changes, and give every other person a focused read-only view instead of another set of controls.
Updated July 26, 2026 · About 4 minutes to read
One person controls the room. Everyone else gets the context they need.
Host solves the common live-session problem of too many people seeing or touching the same controls. Keep it on the operator's device, whether that person is the presenter, teacher, facilitator, or producer. Then use Display, Speaker, Moderator, and Agenda links for information sharing without giving away the ability to change the session.
Live Host workflow
Control the room without rebuilding the timer.
- STEP 01
Open the private Host workspace
Open the original Host link on the laptop or tablet that will run the session. Host is the control surface for the room: it can start, pause, reset, edit, and choose the active agenda item. Keep this link on the control device. A Display, Speaker, Moderator, or Agenda link intentionally opens a read-only view instead.
Host keeps the live timer, agenda, and connected-room context in one place. - STEP 02
Check the current and next agenda item
Before starting, confirm that the current item is the segment that should run now and that the next item is correct. Host shows both pieces of context around the live controls, which helps a presenter or producer avoid starting the wrong part of the session. Rename or adjust agenda items before the live session whenever possible.
A live correction changes the active timer, not the Room or its shared links.
- STEP 03
Start or pause the active timer
Use the central Start button to begin the active timer. The same control becomes Pause while that timer is running. The room’s Display and open read-only views follow the same active state, so you do not need to start a separate countdown on the projector, speaker device, or moderator device.
Starting from Host updates the shared Display without exposing controls on the presentation screen. - STEP 04
Move through the agenda deliberately
Use the previous and next controls to select the timer that should become current. Selecting another item does not automatically start it. This gives the Host a moment to confirm the room, wait for a speaker, or make a producer decision before pressing Start. Use this deliberate handoff for sessions with pauses, questions, or flexible transitions.
Change the current item first. Start it only when the room is ready.
- STEP 05
Correct time without losing the room
When a segment needs more or less time, use the quick adjustment buttons to add or remove the selected step. Host can use preset steps, a custom quick step, or an exact remaining-time value. This is for live correction: it changes the active timer while the room continues to use the same shared session and linked views.
A live correction changes the active timer, not the Room or its shared links.
Choose the agenda item
Use previous and next to make a different segment current without automatically starting it.
Make a live correction
Add, remove, or set exact remaining time when the schedule changes.
Share the right view
Send read-only links to the screen, speaker, moderator, or team—not the Host workspace.
Before the live session
A fast Host check.
- The current agenda item is the next segment that should run.
- The next item is correct, but it will not start until Host starts it.
- The Display link is already open on the audience-facing screen.
- Only the operator has the Host workspace open.
FAQ
Common Host questions
Why does a link open without Host controls?
Only the original Host link opens the control workspace. Display, Speaker, Moderator, and Agenda links are designed to be read-only. Return to the original Host link on the control device when you need to start, pause, edit, or correct the room.
Does moving to the next agenda item start it automatically?
No. The previous and next controls change which agenda item is current, but they do not automatically start it. This gives the Host a deliberate pause between segments. Press Start when the next item should actually begin.
Can I fix the remaining time during a live session?
Yes. Host can add or remove a quick adjustment step, choose a different preset or custom step, or set an exact remaining time. Use the correction controls on the active timer instead of asking viewers to open a separate countdown.
Which link should I share with each person?
Share Display with a projector, confidence monitor, second screen, or screen share. Share Speaker View with the presenter, Moderator View with a producer or facilitator, and Agenda View with people who need the running order. Keep Host private.
Next steps