Quotemaster
As Quotemaster your task is to deliver an inspirational thought or message related to the theme of the meeting that is positive or gives the audience something to think about. When on topic and relevant, quotations are a valuable tool to make, give authority to, or emphasize a point. The role of Quotemaster allows you to practice using this valuable tool without the necessity of writing a long speech.
Prior to the meeting, prepare for your role by selecting an inspirational thought or message such as a quote or a passage you have read that had given you some pause for thought, or an inspiring SHORT (under 60 seconds) story about life that relates to the theme of the meeting.
As Quotemaster you will normally be called at the very end of the meeting just prior to adjournment. Once you are introduced, thank the Chairperson, and then deliver your prepared message. When you are finished pass control of the meeting back to the Chairperson before being seated.
This role can expand and contract based on the skill level of the participant and the timing of the meeting. For the very new and or timid speaker, simply stand and read a quote. For the more experienced, you might concisely explain your role as Quotemaster (10--15 seconds) and /or include a 30-45 second preamble that describes how the quote relates to the theme of the meeting or what has transpired during the meeting. When this role performed by an experienced member, it should ideally be a 60 second mini-speech that presents the quotation as a way to underscore or emphasize the theme of the meeting.
Tips and Other Important Points
- Prior to the meeting you should find out what the theme of the meeting will be by contacting the chairperson.
- The timing for this roles is between 30 seconds and 60 seconds (90 Seconds ABSOLUTE MAXIMUM)!
- You should deliver ONLY ONE QUOTE!
- The quote should relate to the theme of the meeting.
- Challenge yourself based on your skill, experience level and the amount of time you have available for preparation - for example: work with point form notes, or possibly even no notes at all. Experienced members might want to make a 60 second speech with the quote imbedded within the body of the speech or at the conclusion of the speech that relates to the theme of the meeting.
- Relax and have fun!
- If the meeting is running early, then there is a bit of room for creativity or improptu commentary. If the meeting is running overtime, keep your report short by reducing any setup preamble to a bare minimum.
Sources of Inspiring Quotes