When you are Table Topics Master

Toastmasters has a tradition - every member speaks at a meeting. Table Topics session assures this tradition. The purpose of this is to have members “think on their feet” and speak for a minute or so.

Prior to the meeting:

· Find out from the Toastmaster if there is a theme so you can prepare topics to carry out that theme.

· When choosing specific questions: Select ones that will inspire the speakers to expound on them, give their opinions, etc.; don’t make the questions too long or complicated-phrase them in such a way that the speakers will know clearly what you want them to talk about.

· Keep your comments short. Your job is to give others a chance to speak, not to give a series of mini-talks yourself.

· Provide topics they know something about. Don’t try to stump or embarrass them. Seek variety.

· Prepare at least 5-6 topics (better to have too many prepared, then not enough).

· Note: Table Topics may precede prepared speeches (this allows a longer period of warm up prior to hearing the prepared speeches) or Table Topics may follow prepared speeches. (this allows the Toastmaster to adjust the meeting time, and it also allows evaluators a few extra minutes to prepare their evaluation of the speeches). The position of this portion of the meeting is at the discretion of the Toastmaster of the meeting.

The morning of the meeting:

· Sit at the head of the table next to the Toastmaster and General Evaluator. This ensures easy access to the lectern and reduces distractions if you have to communicate last minute program changes.

· Double check with Toastmaster and General Evaluator, prior to meeting for any last minute changes.

· If there are any guests ask them, before meeting begins (or before beginning Table Topic Session), if they would like to participate.

During the meeting:

· When introduced, briefly state the purpose of the Table Topics session.

· Keep your remarks brief but enthusiastic.

· Remind members: Green light at 1 minute, yellow light at 1:30 and red light at 2:00. Table Topic Speakers will be disqualified if they speak less than 1 minute and longer than 2:30.

· Call on unassigned members first. If time permits, you call on assigned members (i.e. Ah Counter, Jokemaster, Wordmaster, and Invocator). NEVER CALL ON: Speakers, Evaluators, General Evaluator or Toastmaster.

· Always state question first, then call on a respondent. This holds everyone’s attention and makes each member think of an answer.

· Call on available members at random.

· Watch your total time! Check the printed agenda for the total time allotted to Topics and adjust the number of questions to end your segment on time. Even if your portion started late, try to end on time to avoid the total meeting running overtime.

· At the conclusion of the Table Topics session, request that the timer indicate all participants that qualified (spoke between 1-2:30).

· Request members vote for Best Table Topics Speaker.

· Turn control of the lectern back to the Toastmaster. REMAIN at the lectern until the Toastmaster shakes your hand.