Meeting Role: Table Topics Master

Purpose:

The Table Topics portion of the meeting gives members the opportunity to practice “thinking on their feet”; in other words, to formulate a response to question with minimal advance notice.

Before the meeting:

1. Contact the Toastmaster to find out the theme of the meeting.
2. Think up several questions that fit the theme. The number of questions to be asked depends on the time available, which depends on the length of the meeting, the number of speeches, and the length of the speeches. Consider using some of the presentation ideas listed below, or come up with a creative idea of your own!
3. Prepare a brief introduction to your topics.
4. If you want the Toastmaster to introduce you in any particular way, let him or her know.

During the meeting:

1. Before the table topics portion of the meeting, identify members who have the least speaking roles. These members are most deserving of another speaking opportunity during Table Topics. The Toastmaster and speakers generally have the most opportunity to speak, so should be low on you list of people to call on.
2. The Toastmaster will introduce you.
3. Give a little introduction to your theme.
4. Ask your questions. As each person responds, make a note of their name and a very brief summary of their topic or response.
5. Ask the timer for a timer's report to see who qualifies.
6. Call upon all present (members and visitors) to vote for one of those who spoke within the time limits, then briefly summarize the name and topic of their response. This helps newcomers learn the names of the speakers and reminds them of the responses – otherwise the first speakers get forgotten and the last speakers get a disproportionate share of the votes. 7.Thank everyone for participating, and return control of the meeting to the Toastmaster.

Recommendations:

1. If possible, ask the question, then pause, then select the person who is to answer. This keeps everyone alert, and starts them thinking how they would respond if they were to be called upon.
2. Avoid asking everyone the same question. This would give the later responders more time to form their answer.

Presentation ideas:

1. Ask a question, pause, call on a someone to respond.
2. Print your questions on paper, let each person choose a paper.
3. Use (or simulate) fortune cookies. Let each person choose one.
4. Bring a newspaper. Give each respondent a section. Ask them to summarize the most important story in each section.
5. Begin a story. Ask each person to continue the story where the previous person ended.
6. Cut pictures from the newspaper or magazines. Remove the captions. Have the table topics respondent pick one and tell the club what is happening in the picture.
7. Bring strange objects, hidden in a bag. Ask what each is and how it is used. Or, ask someone to sell the object to the club.
8. Search the internet for more ideas. (Google for “table topics” ideas.)