| Purpose |
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Table Topics consists
of 10 questions posed by the Topic Master without prior warning to 10
participants. The session is aimed at procuring the best of thinking,
listening and speaking from the participants, be they members or guests.
It represents one of the most valuable, enjoyable and interesting aids
to that end, and members always anticipate a stimulating session. |
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The session must be featured by
enthusiasm, variety, interest and the presentation of an achievable
challenge to each speaker. |
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When preparing |
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Prepare 10 questions around a theme. It
is preferable but not a necessity that it be the theme of the night,
since there are many other types of topic sessions that do not
necessarily fit with a meeting theme. |
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Review some of the
other ideas for running different types of Table Topics or consult
the VPE about the style of session appropriate for the night. |
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Make sure the questions are brief,
and there is no doubt what the question is at the end. While some of the
topics may possess a humorous vein, always have topics that are topical
or on which Toastmasters could be expected to voice a considered
opinion. Above all, achieve variety and realism, and remember funny
topics don't automatically get funny answers. |
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Print 3 copies of the topic questions.
Each of the topic evaluators should receive a copy of at least those
questions they will be evaluating. |
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Remember to play down your involvement.
Your role is to conduct a fun, challenging session and to make the
participants shine, not to be the star yourself. An exciting Table
Topics session sets the platform for an enjoyable and rewarding meeting. |
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Before the meeting begins |
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Decide who is to be asked what question.
This is a very important task. Give first preference to those without a
programmed assignment, then choose those with minor assignments. Unless
attendance is very low, avoid asking the following: table topics
evaluators, timer, and people with major assignments such as Chairman 2,
General Evaluator, Toastmaster or those giving speeches. Frequent guests
and visiting Toastmasters may be asked, but it is imperative that you
get their permission beforehand. Do not ask questions to
non-Toastmasters or visiting Speechcrafters. |
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Match the difficulty of the question to
the experience and ability of the person. Very new Toastmasters should
be asked questions that can easily be answered from their own personal
experience, such as work, hobbies, family etc. |
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In the early part of the meeting |
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Note any program
changes so you know who are the topic evaluators, and who are now doing
speeches and important assignments. |
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Provide a copy of
the questions to the odd and even numbered evaluators. |
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What to
do during your assignment |
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At the beginning, give a brief
explanation of what table topics is all about. State the timing (buzzer
at 55 seconds) and mention who are the respective topic evaluators. |
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Ask the question first, so everyone is
forced to listen and think. Then announce the person's name, leading the
applause. |
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Greet the person, then move away and
preferably sit down in a chair to the side of the speaking area. You
should not upstage the person speaking or be in a position where they
feel they must look at you when answering the question. |
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After the person finishes, thank them
and again lead the applause. |
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At the end of the questions, thank the
participants, and introduce each of the topic evaluators in turn. |
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When the second topic evaluator hands
back to you, give a final comment if you wish, and hand back to Chairman
1. |
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That is the end of
your assignment. You will be evaluated by the General Evaluator |
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