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WHEN YOU ARE THE SPEAKERS CORNER TABLE TOPIC MASTER:
-Be prepared to add to the number of topics requested in case of an extended session
-Greet the Toastmaster, members and guests
-If you are comfortable doing so, tell a joke in good taste to set a light tone and encourage participation in the session
-Give a brief overview of the purpose of table topics, especially mentioning that it is an opportunity for everyone to speak; add a little more detail if there are guests
-Give the timing, typically 1, 1.5 and 2 minutes
-Call for participants, first asking for members who do not have a speaking role. Write their names down in the order they will come forward
-Remind participants to look at their topic when the preceding speaker begins. The first speaker looks at the topic immediately
-Give out the topics
-Make sure there is someone at the podium at all times during the session
-Set the timing with the Timer. Usually 1 minute : green light, 1.5 : amber, 2 : red. If there are guests, ask the Timer to demonstrate by turning the lights on
-Mention that speaking within the time limit is one of the main requirements of table topics
-Introduce the first speaker
-Link the speakers with a short comment about the topic just completed
-When the final speaker is seated, ask the Timer for the timing report
-Return the meeting to the Toastmaster
Toastmasters general comments:
Toastmasters has a tradition - every member speaks at a meeting. The Table Topics session is that portion of the meeting, which ensures this tradition. The purpose of this period is to have members "think on their feet" and speak for a minute or so. The Table Topics Master prepares and issues the topics; originality is desirable as much as possible. Each speaker may begin an individual subject or a choice of subjects may be presented from which the members can darw at random.
Check with the Toastmaster to find out if a theme meeting is scheduled. If so, prepare topics to carry out that theme. If no theme is scheduled, choose a wide selection of topics. Review THE TOASTMASTER and other publications for ideas. Do not repeat the previous week's Topics ideas or items.
Find out who the prepared speakers, evaluators, general evaluator and Toastmaster are so you can call on the other members first. Only if time permits at the end of the Topics session, should you call on program participants (speakers last).
When choosing your 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. Remember, Table Topics has a two-fold purpose: First, to give everyone in the room an opportunity to speak especially those who are not on the program; and, second, to get people to learn to "think and speak on their feet."
During the meeting
When introduced, briefly state the purpose of the Topics session. Set the stage for your Topics program. Keep your remarks brief but enthusiastic. If the club has a "Word of the Day," encourage speakers to use the word in their response.
Keep the program rolling; be certain everyone understands the maximum time they have for their response and how the timing lights/device works (if the timer hasn't already done so).
State the question briefly-then call on a respondent. This serves two purposes: First, it holds everyone's attention-each one is; thinking of a response should he or she be called on to speak: and second, it adds to the value of the impromptu element by giving everyone an opportunity to improve his or her "better listening and thinking" skills.
Call on speakers at random. Avoid going around the room in the order in which people are sitting. Give each participant a different question. Don't ask two people the same thing unless you ask each specifically to give the "pro" or "con" side.
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 y total meeting running overtime.
At the conclusion of the Table Topics session, request the timer's report to determine those eligible for the Best Table Topics Speaker Award, if this award is given in your club. Request members vote for Best Table Topics Speaker and pass their votes to the Sergeant at Arms. If die club has a Table Topics evaluator, request his or her report and then return control of the meeting to the Toastmaster.
Patterns In Programming (Code 1314)
Chairman (200)
Think Fast (Code 1315)... a manual on Table Topics
Table Topics Game "Stand Up and Speak" (1316)
| | Date | Name | | Tue, Aug 11, 15 | Geet B | | Tue, Sep 01, 15 | Agnes L | | Tue, Sep 22, 15 | Agnes L |
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