TABLE TOPICS MASTER
Prerequisite: Ice Breaker Speech.
Time: Twelve to twenty minutes. Consult the Toastmaster for the time limit based on the number of speakers scheduled to speak during the prepared speech portion of the meeting.
Preparation:
Select a topic designed to warm up the audience and prepare them for the formal speeches. Make a list of ten topics which you can ask the participants to answer extemporaneously. These can be quotes, scenarios, conditions, news events, or hypothetical situations. Plan a format for presenting the topics which may include questions to answer, statements worthy of comment, instructions to follow, or roles to play. At the meeting make a list of people who will answer your Table Topics questions. You may list their names next to your Table Topics questions in order to begin calling on Table Topics speakers quickly and confidently.
Procedure:
Sit close to the lectern. When you are introduced, walk to the lectern, shake hands with the Toastmaster, and take control of the meeting. Explain the Table Topics portion of the meeting. "Table Topics is extemporaneous speaking for up to two minutes on an assigned topic. Guests are encouraged to participate; if called on, they may choose to speak or choose to pass. Guests may address a new question, a previous question, speak about themselves, or decline to speak. Toastmaster members are required to speak if given a Table Topics question. The speakers may speak from their place; it is customary at some clubs for speakers to go to the lectern to speak. Participants are expected to address the topic directly in a one- to two-minute mini-speech with an opening, body, and conclusion. When the Table Topics session is over, members and guests are asked to vote for the Best Table Topics Speaker."
Give a brief introduction to your topic, up to one minute, then begin calling on people as planned. If anyone panics, be encouraging and help the participant through it if absolutely necessary. It may be helpful to write the name of the participant next to each question in advance and check it off after it is used. Lead the applause when the participant has finished speaking. Thank each speaker by name.
Do not call on the Toastmaster, General Evaluator, or Speakers. If there are many members and guests at the meeting and all jobs are filled, direct questions to persons in the following order: 1.Those who have no assignments; 2.Guests; 3.Those with minor assignments and speaking parts (Timer, Grammarian, Ah Counter, et al.); 4.Those with major assignments (President, Master Evaluator, et al.).
Watch the time. Always have more topics planned than you will use in case you have extra time at the meeting. Coordinate a signal for the Toastmaster to indicate there is time for one or two more Table Topic questions. End with some closing remarks about the Table Topics session. Mention the names of all the speakers. Ask the members and guests to vote for the Best Table Topics Speaker. Return control of the meeting to the Toastmaster. Lead the applause and remain at the lectern until the Toastmaster arrives and shakes your hand.
Note: It is good to keep a list of the questions and of the speakers who answered them; when you ask for votes, you will be able to review briefly all the questions and the participants’ names.
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