Table Topics
Purpose of the Table Topics Master:
Allows members the opportunity to practice impromptu speaking skills. It allows you the opportunity to practice the coordination of such an impromptu speaking session. You gain practice in picking a theme and developing suitable table topics for the members.
Before the Meeting:
Select five no more then six topics which you feel are suitable for a one to two minute impromptu speech. Table Topics Cards are available from the Club are available to you should you wish to make use of them. Also, consult the Communication and Leadership manual; it also has information on preparing to be the table topics master.
Briefly outline your explanation of the role that table topics plays in the program.
At the Meeting:
Select the participants from those present. Do not choose non-Toastmaster guests (you may offer them the opportunity, but do not force them). Try to select members who are not already filling major speaking roles.
Briefly explain the role of table topics.
Ask the timer to provide timing procedures for setting the lights. Usually Table Topics are 2 min +/- 30 sec as per the Table Topics contest, With the:
Table topics typically are not allowed to go longer than 2:00.
Introduce the topic and then call on the presenter.
Thank the presenter and bridge to next topic.
After the last presentation, briefly recap all table topics and ask all members of the audience to vote for best Table Topics Speaker
Return control of the meeting to the Toastmaster
Tips and Traps:
This is an excellent opportunity to allow your creativity to take hold. You are the one who comes up with the ideas that will become the table topics presented.
One trap to watch for is gauging the experience of the participant. Beginning toastmasters may need easier topics to get them started. More experienced speakers can be given harder topics which will be more of a challenge. One tip might be to make up a couple extra topics of easier and harder varieties. This can make it easier for you to fit topics to the people present at the meetings.
If the meeting has moved along faster than was expected, be prepared to throw out an extra topic to help fill the gap a little. The extra time can be used to advantage to give another member an opportunity to speak at the meeting. On the other side of the coin, be prepared to shorten topic times and cut back on the number of topics if the meeting is running behind schedule.
Table topics master is a fun role since it allows you to be on the other side of the questions. Use this as a guide. Be sure the topics you hand out would be ones you would find challenging and fair given the experience levels of the participants.
