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WHEN YOU ARE THE TABLE TOPIC MASTER

The Toastmasters program has a tradition- every member speaks at a meeting. The table topics session is that portion of the meeting which insures this tradition. The purpose of this period is to have members “think on their feet” and speak for minute or so. The topics master prepares and issues the topics; originality is desirable as much as possible. Each speaker may be given an individual subject may be presented from which the members can the draw at random.

PRIOR TO THE MEETING

Check with the Toastmaster to find out if a theme meeting is scheduled. If so, prepare topics to carry out theme. If no theme is scheduled, choose a wide selection of topics. Review The Toastmaster magazine and other publications for ideas. Do not repeat the previous week’s table 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 speaker clearly will know 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 topic has a twofold 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 the 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 table topics and adjust the member of questions to end your segment on time. Even if your portion started late, try to end your segment on time to avoid the total meeting running overtime.
If you Club presents a “Best Table Topic Speaker” award, at the end of the table topics session ask the timer to report those eligible for the award. Then ask members to vote for “Best Table Topics Speaker” and pass their votes to the Sergeant at Arms or vote counter. If the Club has a table topics evaluator, ask for his or her report and then return control of the meeting to the Toastmasters.

RESOURCES

Master your Meetings (Catalog No. 1312)

Patterns in Programming (Catalog No 1314)

Chairman (Catalog No. 200)

Think Fast (Catalog No. 1315), a manual on Table Topics

Table Topics Game “Stand Up and Speak” (Catalog No.1316)

Table Topics Game “Stand Up and Speak11” (Catalog No. 1317)

Table Talk (Catalog No. 1318)

Conversation Piece (catalog No.92)

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