1. Prior to the Meeting
Communicate with Toastmaster of the day, confirm the meeting theme. Then, pick your Table Topics theme. Preferably, something reflects the meeting theme (not mandantly). For example, if the meeting theme is “Forward”, your Table Topics speech can be “Future”, “Change”, “Progress” and so on. Prepare the questions (see reference site list below), easy to understand for English as second language speakers.
2. During the Meeting
[Toastmaster of the day will introduce you as the Table topic Master]:
Thank you, Madam/Mr. Toastmaster.
Table Topics help us develop our ability to organize the thoughts quickly and express. Guests are welcome to participate if they wish.
*If the Toastmaster of the day explained, you can skip this portion.
Table topic time length is between 1 minute to 2 minutes. Today’s meeting theme is “**** (Toastmaster of the day’s pick)” So my Table topic theme is [something related to the meeting theme will be preferred].
Let me remind you the word of the day [Repeat the word that is provided by Grammarian]. You are encouraged to use it.
Now, I am going to pick a Tabletopics speaker.
[Pick someone who doesn’t have meeting roles (please avoid evaluators, TP gives them time to conclude their evaluation)] *If the Zoom-Master spotlights someone, go with the person.
[name] Are you ready to take the challenge? (if yes) [Questions……….]
If no, and if the participant is apologetic, make sure she/he feels OK by saying something like “No problem, we respect your choice. Now I will pick someone else…” and pick someone else. *If the Zoom-Master spotlights someone, go with the person.
*If the meeting has 3 speakers: After 2 or 3 participants, ask the Toastmaster or President how many more speakers you can pick.
*If the allocated time was used, end the Table Topics.
*Rule of thumb: 40min – 43min after the meeting starts hour, you should wrap up your Table Topics.
“Thank you for your participation.
The Zoom system will bring our voting box for you shortly.
Please click your favorite Table Topic speaker. I will announce the result at the end of the meeting.
Back to you, Madam/Mr. Toastmaster.”
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Reference sites for Table Topic Ideas:
Table Topic Master Role gets credit towards your CL. Project:Project 1, Listening and LeadershipProject 4, Time Management
Project 5, Planning & Implementation
Project 7, Developing Facilitation Skills
Be sure to ask someone to evaluate your performance.