Ah Counter

The main duty of the Ah Counter is to note words and sounds used as a ‘crutch’ or pause filler by anyone who speaks during the meeting. Words may be in appropriate interjections such as “and’, ‘but’, ‘so’, ‘well’, or ‘you know.’ Sounds may be ‘ah’, ‘er’, or ‘um.’ You should also note when a speaker repeats a word or phrase, such as ‘I’, ’I’ or ‘this means,’ ‘this means,’ as well as restarts (when someone stops a sentence before completion and then restarts with a new thought).

Before the Meeting

• Prepare a brief explanation of the duties of the Ah Counter for the benefit of guests.

Upon arrival at the Meeting

• Work with the Ah Counter’s Log you’ve printed previously or you may also obtain a copy from the

Sergeant-at-Arms when you arrive.

During the Meeting

• When introduced by the General Evaluator, explain the role of the Ah Counter. • Throughout the meeting, listen to everyone and keep track of all inappropriate filler sounds or words used by anyone who speaks during the meeting, including repeats and restarts. Be sure to write down the name of each person who speaks so you can give an accurate report of nonoffenders.

• Tally the counts for each speaker and the group as a whole. • Give a report when called upon by the General Evaluator, including the total count for the meeting and who did particularly well (you may also wish to mention any fillers that were used particularly heavily).

After the Meeting

• Give your completed report to the club Secretary.

AH COUNTER SCRIPT

When introduced by the General Evaluator, please state the following: “Greetings Mr./Madam Toastmaster, fellow Toastmasters, and guests. The purpose of the Ah-Counter is to note words and sounds that are used as a “crutch” or “pause filler” by anyone who speaks. During the meeting, I will listen for overused words, including and, well, but, so, and you know. I will also listen for filler sounds, including ah, um, and er. I will also note when a speaker repeats a word or phrase, such as “I, I” or “This means, this means.” At the end of the meeting, I will report the number of times that each speaker used these expressions. Thank you, (insert name of General Evaluator).”

Helpful Link:

The Ah Counter Script and Log is available here on Sharepoint. Download this log, for it is very helpful in tracking the usage of filler words, interjections, and repeated words/phrases (“Repeats”).