Toastmasters - UK and Ireland :: Toastmasters - UK and Ireland :: Topicsmaster
Author Forgotten User Date 31 Jan 11, 15:24 Views 26246
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Description What does this role involve?

Topicsmaster 

The Topicsmaster chairs a session of impromptu speaking topics.

The purpose is to help members think on their feet, by speaking without notice on subjects for 1 to 2 minutes each. It also allows speaking opportunities for those not scheduled for other roles on the Agenda.


Prior to the meeting

Ask the Toastmaster if there is a particular theme for the meeting and if this should be included in the Topics session.

Draw up a list of Topics. Websites and newspapers are useful sources of inspiration. You can use a central idea to tie them together, but be careful not to repeat one that was used by a Topicsmaster in the club recently.

Select Topics that the speakers could be expected to talk about without difficulty. The goal is to generate speeches - not catch them out!

Phrase your Topics simply, so that they will be clearly understood.

Draw up a list of speakers, bearing in mind that you may have to change this when you see who is at the meeting. Study the Agenda and give lowest priority to those carrying out other speaking roles.


At the meeting

Prior to the start of the Topics session, before the meeting begins or in a break, ask each guest if they would like to respond to a Topic - but do not put any pressure on them to do so. (Note: you should only ask guests in clubs which allow their participation in Topics.)

At the beginning of the session, keep your introductory remarks light. The aim is to relax everyone, or at least not make them any more nervous!

For each Topic, start by giving the Topic then call on the person you want to speak. Doing it this way round holds everyone's attention as, when the Topic is being given, each person is acutely aware that he or she might be the one called on.

In between the Topics, keep your comments short. Your job is to give others a chance to speak, not to give a series of mini-talks yourself.

Adjust the number of Topics to end your session on time, even if it started late, unless the Toastmasters allows you an extension.



Further information on Table Topics and some Topics ideas.