table topics master
Table Topics® is a long-standing Toastmasters tradition intended to help members develop their ability to organize their thoughts quickly and respond to an impromptu question or topic.
At Croydon Communicators, Table Topics typically begins in the second half of the meeting after the network break with the prepared speech presentations in the first half.
The Table Topics Master is responsible for running the Table Topics impromptu speaking session of the meeting.
At Croydon Communicators, Table Topics typically begins in the second half of the meeting after the network break with the prepared speech presentations in the first half.
The Table Topics Master is responsible for running the Table Topics impromptu speaking session of the meeting.
Before the meeting:
- Have a group of ideas ready (ideally aligned to theme of the meeting set by the Toastmaster).
- Prepare up to 8 short purposeful topics/questions but depending on the running time of the meeting be prepared to reduce/extend this during the session itself.
- Ensure a mix of topics that can be tailored for more/less experienced speakers, that are appropriate, and do not have the potential to cause embarrassment for the speaker.
- Prepare an explanation of the purpose and format of table topics
At the meeting:
- Arrive early to build a list of participants or ask for volunteers during the network break.
- Give priority to club members, particularly those who have no other function on the agenda.
- Find one or two guests who are willing to talk.
- Ensure you have at least one experienced speaker to call on at the start, and possibly one to end the session.
- Sit at the front of the room
During the session:
After the session:
Recap on speakers and questions during voting when called upon by the Toastmaster
- Make a brief scene setting address, explaining the purpose of topics (i.e. to develop impromptu speaking skills). If there is a word of the day encourage speakers to use it in their responses. State the allowed time for each speaker is between 1 to 2 minutes.
- Call upon an experienced speaker for the first question
- For each topic speaker use the format: Question, repeat question, introduce the speaker by name e.g.
“My question is: what is your favourite sandwich? With the question: what is your favourite sandwich? Please welcome Ralph Smedley to the stage” - Don’t forget to shake hands on greeting the speaker and be ready to get up as soon as they finish to shake their hand and lead the applause.
- Thank the speaker on completion of the topic and introduce the next topic.
- On completion of the session, thank all participants and pass control of the meeting quickly back to the Toastmaster.
After the session:
Recap on speakers and questions during voting when called upon by the Toastmaster