Towns of York Toastmasters

Toastmasters has a tradition that every member speaks at every meeting, and Table Topics ensures this tradition while allowing members to learn to “think on their feet’ and practice impromptu speaking.

As Table Topics Master your role is to prepare the topics and run the topics session.

Before the meeting

1. Ask the Chairperson how much time is allotted to Table Topics and the theme of the meeting.
2. Choose a theme for your tabke topics session that supports the theme of the meeting.
3. You should prepere approximately 20 questions for your session even though you may not have time for all of them. When choosing your questions; select ones that will inspire the speakers to expound on them, give their opinions, and have fun. Make questions as concise and understandable as possible so the speaker will know exactly what you want them to talk about.
4. Prepare props or any other materials you plan to use.

During the meeting

1. When you are introduced by the chairperson, come to the lecturn and give a brief description of Table Topics (2 to 3 minutes) using your own words that incudes:
   • the benefits of Table Topics and the importance of the table topics session;
   • how long participants should speak;
   • drect that the Speakers, Evaluators, General Evaluator, Toastmaster and Chairperson not participate so that those who have breif or no roles will have an opportunity to speak (Unless the aganda is very light. If there is time they may participate (speakers should go last) after everyone else who wants to speak has had their turn);
   • encourage speakers to use the “Word of the Day,” in their response; and
   • the voting procedures.

   Pass the envelope with the questions to the first speaker during your explanation so that he/she has time to prepare.  Keep your remarks brief but enthusiastic. Your job is to give others a chance to speak, not to give a speeech yourself.

2. After your opening remarks, invite the first person to speak, and then keep the program rolling and then call  to prevent the meeting running overtime.
3. At the end of the session remind the members to vote for “Best Table Topics Speaker” and prepare their ballots for collection. their votes to the Timer/Ballot Counter.
4. At the end of the session, return control of the meeting to the Chairperson. 

Tips and Other Important Points

• Remind the members that they will be voiting for the best table topics speaker at the beginning of the session so they will be prepared, and then again at the end of the session to cast their vote.
• Avoid long and detailed questions that will confuse the speaker or obscure topics that  require specialized knowledge. The aim of Table Topics is to challenge the speaker, not make him/her fail.  The session should be fun and lively.
• The time for each speaker will depend on meeting attendance and the time available for table topics.  If the agenda is full and the meeting well attended, then restrict speakers to 30-60 seconds. Otherwise allow 1-2 minutes per speaker.
• Watch your total time! Check the printed agenda for the total time allotted to Table 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 prevent the meeting running overtime.
• Relax and have fun!