Overview of Table Topics (Impromptu
Speaking): At Toastmasters, we want to give every member a chance
to speak. Table topics provides extra speaking opportunities to
those members or guests who have no other meeting role. Table
topics also helps members learn to "think of their feet" for a minute or
two.
The Table Topics Master leads this
portion of the meeting.
Prior to the meeting:
- Obtain the theme of the meeting
and the planned duration of the table topics section from the
Toastmaster
- Using the theme, create
questions or topics in sufficient quantity for the time allowed.
Each speaker will take 1 to 2 minutes. Number each question/topic so
speakers will know their order.
☼Tips:
Avoid questions which are too long or too complicated. Select
ones which inspire the speakers to expand on the topic, give their
opinion, have some fun. Take care that the wording is clear.
Prepare a different question for each volunteer.
- Normally one copy is prepared
for the speaker, and a master copy is retained by the Table Topics
Master.
- Practice the introduction of
this section, focusing on the enlightenment of guests or new members.
Keep it concise and clear.
Upon arrival at the meeting:
- Check the agenda and seek
volunteers from the members who have no other meeting roles
- Find an assistant, if needed, to
hand out the topics to others
- For guests, check to see if they
would like to try a table topics, if there is sufficient time in the
agenda. Avoid applying any pressure on guests. Always allow
for them to be able to "back out", if they change their minds.
- Write down the names of the
volunteers, along with the sequence in which they will be speaking.
During the meeting:
- Start with a concise and clear
introduction of this session. Be enthusiastic!
- Clearly identify the timing
requirements [normally green light at 1 minute, amber light at 1
minute 30 seconds, and red light at 2 minutes)]
- Explain that once a speaker has
started their response, the next person can read their question. [Thus
the next person will have a couple of minutes to mentally prepare
their response]
- State the question briefly, then
call on the assigned volunteer
- After the volunteer has
finished, continue on to the next speaker, etc.
- Watch the time and be prepared
to make adjustments to ensure that the time allocated is not exceeded
e.g. drop a question, if needed
- At the end, if your Club votes
for the "Best Table Topics Speaker", ask the members to vote, then ask
the Sergeant-at-Arms to collect the ballots.
- Thank everyone for
participating!
- Return the meeting control to
the Toastmaster
Return to Meeting Roles (Home)
Techniques for Answering Table Topics
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