Toastmasters - UK and Ireland :: Toastmasters - UK and Ireland :: Grammarian
Author Forgotten User Date 20 Aug 11, 12:28 Views 35200
Keywords
Description The What?

Grammarian 

The Grammarian comments on the use of language during the meeting.

Usually the Grammarian also introduces a 'Word of the Day', although this is optional.

Sometimes the Grammarian role is combined with the Ah Counter role.


Prior to the meeting

Select a 'Word of the Day', if it is the practice in your club to have one. It should be a word that will help members increase their vocabulary and one that can be incorporated easily into everyday conversation. Adjectives and adverbs are more adaptable than nouns or verbs, but feel free to select your own special word. If there is a theme for the meeting, use this to help you select your word.

In letters large enough to be seen from the back of the room, print your word on a sheet of paper that can be displayed. You can also include its part of speech (adjective, adverb, noun, etc.) and a brief definition.

Prepare a few sentences to explain the meaning of the word and how it is used.

Prepare a brief explanation of the duties of the Grammarian for the benefit of the guests.


Grammarian's Introduction

Explain the role of the Grammarian.

Announce your 'Word of the Day'. State its part of speech, define it, use it in a sentence and encourage members to use it.

Display your sheet of paper with the word somewhere prominent so that it can be seen throughout the meeting.


During the meeting

Listen to everyone's word usage. Write down any particularly good uses of language and your reason for selection. Write down any awkward use or misuse of the language - for example: incomplete sentences, sentences that change direction in mid-stream, incorrect grammar etc. Note the speakers concerned.

If you are unsure about any language use you can check online. (See links at the bottom of this page.)

Write down who used the 'Word of the Day' (or a derivative of it) and note those who used it correctly or incorrectly.


Grammarian's Report

Report on what you thought was good and bad language usage and your reasons for selection.

Offer the correct usage in every instance where there was a misuse, instead of only saying it was wrong.

Announce who used the 'Word of the Day' (or a derivative of it) correctly or incorrectly.

Online resources

Oxford dictionaries

Grammarist.com