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Check with
the Toastmaster 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. Review The
Toastmaster Magazine and other publications for ideas. Do not repeat the previous week's topic
ideas. |
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Find out who the
prepared Speakers, Evaluators, General Evaluator and
Toastmaster 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), or if there is a shortage of
members present. |
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When choosing
your specific questions, select ones that inspire
the speakers to expound on them, give their
opinions, etc.; don't make a question too long or
complicated - phrase them in such a way that the
speaker will know clearly what you want them to talk
about. |
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Keep your
comments short. Your job is to give others a chance
to speak, not to give a series of mini-talks
yourself. |
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Remember, Table
Topics has a two-fold purpose: First, to give
everyone in the room an opportunity to speak -
especially those not on the program; an secondly,
to get people to learn to "think and speak on their
feet." |
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During the
Meeting |
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When introduced, briefly state the purpose of Table
Topics. |
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Set the stage for
your Topics program. Keep your remarks brief but
enthusiastic. Be sure to encourage the use of the '
word of the day.' |
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State the
question briefly - then call on a respondent. This
serves two purposes: First it holds everyone's
attention - each one thinking of a response should
he or she be called on to speak; and second, it adds
to the value of the impromptu element by giving
everyone an opportunity to improve his or her
"better listening and thinking" skills. |
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Watch your total
time! Check the printed agenda for total time
allotted to 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. |
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At the conclusion
of the Table Topics session, request the Timer's
report to determine those eligible for the Best
Table Topics Speaker ribbon. Also ask the grammarian
who used the word of the day. Request members vote
for Best Table Topics Speaker and to pass their
votes to the Vote Counter. |
