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WHAT TO DO WHEN YOU ARE TABLE TOPICS MASTER
By Peggy Beach
For Hi Rise Toastmasters, Raleigh, NC
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Before the meeting, consult with the
Toastmaster about the theme. In Hi Rise Toastmasters, we often use table topics questions
based on the theme of the meeting. This is a good idea but it is not an absolute. The
Table Topics Master has full discretion about the questions.
- Prepare 4 to 7 questions. If there are no prepared speakers
for the meeting, then there is more time for table topics. If there are three or more
prepared speakers, table topics may be cancelled.
- If you decide to do anything different for table topics (i.e.
giving the answers first, asking members to move from their chairs, etc.), let the
Toastmaster know before hand.
- Begin the table topics portion of the meeting by explaining
table topics for guests. Remind the members that they can interpret a question any way
they want.
- Keep the questions simple (i.e. what is your favorite TV show
and why). Remember, it is not the role of the Table Topics Master to elaborate with
his or her own opinions. If you have strong opinions about a topic, use those opinions in
a prepared speech for another meeting. Let others do the talking.
- Please call on members who do not have a scheduled role in
the meeting. Look at your agenda when deciding on who to pick. Our goal is to encourage
each member present to speak at least once during a meeting.
- Guests do not have to participate in table topics unless they
want to. Feel free to ask a guest if he or she would like to participate.
- After you finish asking the questions, give a rundown of who
spoke on what question.
- Ask members to vote for the best table topics speaker. The
votes are given to the Sgt.-At-Arms for counting. The Sgt.-At-Arms will give the name of
the winner to the Toastmaster. The Toastmaster will announce the winner at the end of the
meeting.
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