Description
The Table Topics Master is responsible for ensuring that every member present speaks at every meeting. At a minimum, every member without an assigned speaking role should be asked a question, and every guest given the option to take one.
Preparation
Here’s a helpful tip from a past article by Ray: “Have many more brief questions prepared than you expect to use (15 or more). Check questions and targets off as you go so there is no confusion at the lectern.”
Presentation
When introduced, the Table Topics Master should briefly state the purpose of the topics session: (1)to give everyone in the room an opportunity to speak, and (2)to get people to learn to “think and speak on their feet.” It is also a good idea to remind people to use the word of the day, and to explain the timing and lights. Another tip: Direct your Table Topic questions to members and guests with no speaking roles FIRST, then ask the Ah Counter and Timer. If you have time, then you may ask the Grammarian, Opener, and other remaining members. You should ask the Toastmaster before you begin to let you know the end time for giving Table Topics questions. State the question briefly – then call on a respondent.
Additional References
See instructions on pages 73-74 of the manual. Here’s an article that may help you – Table Topics Master – Key to a Successful Meeting by Gabriela Remow, ATM-B. And another article with more tips – Arming Yourself for Table Topics by Sandy Bjorgen, CTM. Here are some Table Topics ideas from another Toastmasters site. |
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Downloads:
 Key to Table Topics
 Arming Yourself for Table Topics
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