Table Topics Master

THE ROLE OF THE TABLE TOPICS MASTER

The objective of Table Topics is to have as many people as possible speaking impromptu. This will depend on the amount of time allowed in the meeting.

• DO NOT give a speech when you are the Table Topics Master

• LIMIT your introduction to 1 minute

• DO NOT give your own answer to every question you ask after the participant finishes

• MAKE SURE questions are one that anyone should be able to answer

Check resources online.

• Questions should be short and to the point

• Ask the question

• Call on a person impromptu

• Repeat the question

• Shake hands

• Sit close to the lectern

• When speaker is finished

LEAD APPLAUSE: shake hands, Ask the next Question.

TABLE TOPICS MASTER SCRIPT

Mister/Madam Toastmaster, Fellow Toastmasters and Guests.

My name is ____________________________. I will be your Table Topics Master for today’s meeting.

I will select subjects and questions that will allow speakers the opportunity to develop their impromptu opinions and to respond appropriately.

The purpose is to think on your feet. As a table topics speaker, you may answer the question directly, talk about something related to it, or just something about which it reminds you.

You will have 1-2 minutes to talk. You can stand still for a few seconds and think about your response. But as soon as you make a movement, or any sound, your time will begin. Try to talk till you see the green card/light. But wrap up when you see the red card/light.

Please try to correctly incorporate the “Word of the Day” into your talk.

Our first table topics speaker is ______________________. Please welcome __________________.

TABLE TOPICS MASTER ROLE & CHECKLIST

Table Topics are impromptu speeches. The purpose is to allow members to practice on their confidence and help think on their feet and speak on a given subject for 1-2 minutes.

Before the meeting

̇ Check with your club for the theme of the meeting and create your topics in line with that theme.

̇ Put together a list of topics/questions. ̇ Do not repeat the previous meeting’s Table Topics ideas or questions.

̇ Phrase the question in a way that it will clearly tell the speaker what you want them to talk about.

̇ Keep your comments short.

̇ Your job is to give others a chance to speak, not to give yourself a chance to give mini talks.

̇ Always clap after they provided their short 1 to 2-minute speech.

̇ Get a copy of the agenda to help you select members who are not carrying out a speaking role.

̇ You can also select guests to speak. Be mindful that they may not want to speak just yet.

During the meeting

̇ Briefly introduce the purpose of Table Topics.

For example:

• Table Topics allows you to practice your confidence when you are asked impromptu questions. (You can mention to the members/guests the theme for the series of questions will be ____. Which for example – the theme for the questions will be on “Cooking.” This gives everyone an opportunity to improve their better listening/thinking skills.)

• You will have 1-2 minutes to answer.

• You can either begin talking right away or wait a little then begin talking. Be mindful of the timer (point where the timer sits) and how long you must talk.

• If for some reason you do not understand the question or the question asked has never happened to you, think of how it happened to someone else. Talk about the topic, comment on it, or note its importance. (Feel free to assist/guide the speaker to begin talking. Sometimes people need a little push, be a mentor.)

• Please help me welcome (call out name) and initiate clapping and members should follow.

• Shake the speaker’s hand and ask the question.

• Step aside and let the speaker be behind podium.

• A good way to get names is when members/guests sign in. Write down several names so you won’t have to look around in the audience to select who is next. This way no time is spent in deciding who to call out to come forward, and more time is spent in having a good number of speakers come up and talk.

• Give each speaker a different topic.

• Watch the time you have available. Check the printed agenda for the total time allotted for Table Topics.

And if you started late, try to end on time to avoid the total meeting running over time.

When done

̇ End on a positive note and return floor to next speaker in agenda. Remember to shake hands, if in-person meeting.

Links to Table Topics Speaker Resources:

Toastmasters International – Table Topics Speaker

How can I be a Toastmasters Table Topics Master?

Successful Toastmasters Table Topic Masters do three things:

1. They research their audience.

2. They prepare. Tip: remember to add “Why” to questions, when needed.

3. They gather the BEST questions to lead to the BEST impromptu speeches.

4. They clap after each speech.

• A question is provided and they have only 2 minutes to give their speech.

• Timer is keeping track of time.

• This helps them improve their impromptu speaking skills and develop their speaking and critical thinking skills.

• Remember to make sure if you come up with any of your own questions that they are not easy to answer with just a “yes” or a “no.”

For example: Where would you like to go for a summer vacation, and why?

Table topic questions can also be used at dinner parties, fun gatherings, and at other events to liven up the atmosphere and break the ice with a few quick words from the guests.

The Benefits of Impromptu Speaking

Just the thought of speaking in front of a group with no preparation might seem horrifying but becoming skilled at it can have amazing benefits.

• This takes practice, a systematic approach, and self-confidence.

Once you have impromptu speaking mastered, doors will open for you.

• You will have the ability to nail last-minute presentations. • Shine during important meetings. • Think on your feet while speaking each day.

Although this guide is focused on leading Toastmasters Table Topic Sessions, keep in mind that there is a major benefit for those that participate.

Description: Get the Whole Crowd Smiling Here are a few fun table topic ideas:

• How do you feel about putting mayonnaise on french fries?

• What vacation was the best or worst you had, and why?

• You have a flat tire, what do you do?

• Should you eat pizza with your hands or with a fork and knife, and why?

• What are a few fun ways to answer the boring question of “what do you do for work?”

• What was your favorite thing to do as a child that you would love to still be able to do as an adult?

• What would you do if you broke an expensive piece of art at a party you attended for the first time?

• You volunteered to bake cookies for a fundraiser, you burned them right before you leave to the event.

Stores and bakeries are closed. What do you do?

Description: Interesting Table Topics Here are some interesting table topic ideas:

• Who or what inspires you professional or personally? • If you could switch lives with anyone currently living for an entire day, who would it be? • Camping, hiking, or skiing, and why? • How did you meet your best friend, and are they your best friend to this day? • What motivates you to keep a positive attitude when you reached a roadblock? • What is something you’ve always wanted to try but have been afraid to? • If you only had 1 week left on Earth, what would you do?

Description: Table Topics for the Seasons Here are some Table Topic ideas for Summer:

• If you could describe summer in 3 words, what would they be? • What is your favorite summer food and why? • What is your most memorable summer vacation, what stood out from the vacation? • What is your favorite way to cool off in the summertime? • What is your favorite family activity for summertime? • If you were invited to a cookout, what would you bring and why?

• Which do you prefer, summer or winter and why?

Here are some Table Topics for Fall:

• What is your favorite Fall festival and why? • Have you ever made apple cider or any other special drink from scratch? • If you could, would you like go experience Oktoberfest in Munich? • What is the scariest movie you’ve ever seen and why? • Have you ever been camping, why or why not? • What is your favorite way to spend a lazy day? • Do you decorate your house for fall, why or why not?

Here are some Table Topics for Winter:

• What is your favorite winter sport? • If you had the chance to go to the north pole, would you take it? • Skiing, snowboarding, or sledding? • Would you ever go ice-fishing, why or why not? • Did you ever have the chance to make a snowman? • What do you think about Santa Claus? • What is your favorite food to eat on a snowy date?

Here are some Table Topics for Spring:

• What food would be at your picnic? • Jogging, cycling, or swimming? • Have you ever been horseback riding, why or why not and how was the experience? • Your just bought some expensive shoes and you’re on your way to an important meeting and you get caught in the rain without an umbrella, what do you do? • If you could build a garden with only 3 plants, which ones would you grow?

Description: Proven to Encourage Here are some fail-safe questions:

• What are your 3 favorite personality traits?

• If you could only take 2 items with you to a deserted island, what would they be?

• Do you prefer dogs or cats and why?

• Who are 2 people in your life that inspire you and why?

• What are 3 things you look for in a good friend?

• If you had a genie that could grant 3 wishes, what would they be (you can’t wish for more wishes)?

• What are the first 3 things you do when you wake up in the morning?

• What 3 tips would you give someone looking to make a career change?