Table Topics Master

Description

The table topics master leads the group in impromptu speaking practice by asking questions of the members and then asking someone to come up front and respond to the question/scenario. Respondents must speak between 1:00 and 2:30 minutes to qualify for a ribbon and must use the word of the day.

Responsibilities prior to meeting

Create 5 questions or scenarios that you will pose to the audience as TT master. The questions may have a common theme, focus or method or can be completely random. If the Toastmaster has chosen a theme for the meeting, try to work that into your TT questions. Attempt to make your questions clear, concise and thought provoking…this doesn’t mean you can’t have some fun!

Immediately upon arrival at the meeting or obtaining the agenda at the meeting, prepare a list of individuals who you will call on with these questions. Chose individuals who do not have a speaking role or supporting job first.

Prepare ahead of the meeting by looking at the schedule and knowing who is speaking, who is evaluating, who is Toastmaster etc. It is your responsibility to know who is eligible and to not fumble at the lectern trying to figure out whom to call on.

Responsibilities during meeting

When called upon by the Toastmaster, come to front of the room, shake TM’s hand and proceed.

After the third question has been answered, ask TM if there is time for more questions. The TM will let you know when it is time to wrap up.

At the end of TT, ask the Timer if all respondents qualified for time and ask the Grammarian if all respondents used the word of the day. Ask members to vote for best TT speaker and to pass their votes to the Ballot Counter.

Special notes

Keep your questions/scenarios short. TT usually lasts 10 minutes and you don’t want the majority of that time taken up with your questions.

Ask the question FIRST, then call on a volunteer. This insures that everyone will listen to the question and not let down their guard.