The Table Topics Master (TTM) prepares and issues the topics during the Table Topics segment of the meeting to have members “think on their feet” and speak for a minute or two. Each speaker may be given an individual subject or a choice of subjects may be presented from which the members can draw at random.
PRIOR TO THE MEETING
Check with the Toastmaster of the Evening (TME) to find out if a theme meeting is scheduled. If so, prepare topics to carry out that theme. If no theme is scheduled, choose a wide selection of topics. Do not repeat the previous week’s table topics ideas or items.
Find out who the prepared speakers, evaluators, general evaluator, and TME are so you can call on the other members first. Only if time permits at the end of the topics session should you call on program participants (speakers last).
When choosing your specific list of topics: Select ones that will inspire the speakers to expound on them, give their opinions, etc. Don’t make the questions too long or complicated. Please keep the word count of each topic to preferably 12 words or less. Avoid long quotations that the the speaker and the audience cannot remember when the topics are read out. This is not the stage for the TTM to show how intelligent he or she is by presenting confusing or profound topics. The best topics are usually those that the audience can understand easily and the speakers able to talk about the topics without having to repeatedly stare at the sentences written on the paper or displayed on the projector screen.
Keep your comments in between speakers short. Your job is to give others a chance to speak, not to give a series of mini-talks yourself. Remember, table topics has a two-fold purpose:
- To give everyone in the room an opportunity to speak–especially those who are not on the program
- To get people to learn to “think and speak on their feet.”
DURING THE MEETING
When introduced, briefly state the purpose of the Table Topics session. Set the stage for your topics program. Keep your remarks brief but enthusiastic. If the Club has a “Word of the Day,” encourage speakers to use the word in their response.
Keep the program rolling; be certain everyone understands the maximum time they have for their response and how the timing lights/device works: Green on 1, Amber on 1’30”, Red on 2 and bell rings on 2’30” (Ask Timer to demonstrate while you illustrate).
Call for volunteer before giving out the topic. If there is no volunteer, call on members at random. Give members piority to participate in table topics. Avoid going around the room in the order in which people are sitting. Guests may be invited to speak, provided that they want to. Do not embarrass the guest if he or she is very uncomfortable; move on to the next respondent.
Try to avoid calling upon program participants (i.e. evaluators, TME, speakers etc) and if there is the need to, arrange for the “prepared speech speakers” to respond last, and only if they want to.
Give each participant a different topic. Don’t ask two people the same thing unless you ask each specifically to give the “pro” or “con” side.
Watch your total time! Check the printed agenda for the total time allotted to table topics and adjust the number of questions to end your segment on time. Even if your portion started late, try to end on time to avoid the total meeting running overtime. You can always check with the TME or Club President if the Table Topics Session can be extended a little if the audience are enjoying it.
At the end of the Table Topics session ask the timer to report those eligible for the award. Then ask the audience to vote for “Best Table Topics” via sli.do.