|
|
|
|
|
|
When You Are The |
|
AH Counter |
|
|
|
The purpose of
the ah counter is to note words and sounds used as a
“crutch” or “pause filler” by anyone who speaks
during the meeting. Words may be inappropriate
interjections such as “and, well, but, so, you
know.” Sounds may be “ah, um, er.” You also should
note when a speaker repeats a word or phrase such as
“I,I” or “This means, this means. |
| |
|
Prior to the Meeting |
| |
|
 |
Prepare a brief explanation of the duties of the ah
counter for the benefit of guests. |
 |
|
|
Upon
Arrival
At the Meeting |
|
|
|
|
|
Get a pen and blank piece of paper on which to make
notes, or get a blank copy of the ah counter’s log, if
your Club has one, from the Sergeant at Arms. |
|
|
|
|
During the
Meeting |
|
|
|
|
|
When introduced prior to table topics, explain the role
of the ah counter. In some Clubs, small fines are levied
on members who do or do not do certain things. (For
example, members are fined who use crutch words, are not
wearing their Toastmasters pin to the meeting, etc.) If
your Club levies fines, explain the fine schedule.
Throughout the meeting, listen to everyone for “crutch”
sounds and long pauses used as fillers and not as a
necessary part of sentence structure. Write down how
many crutch sounds or words each person used during all
portions of the meeting. When called on by the general
evaluator during the evaluation segment, stand by your
chair and give your report. |
|
|
|
|
After the
Meeting |
|
|
|
|
|
Give the completed report to the
Treasurer (for collection of fines,
if appropriate). |
|
|
|
