Wordmaster/Grammarian

The Wordmaster/Grammarian has 2 duties to perform at a meeting:

1.    To introduce a “word of the evening” to members.  The idea is to widen members’ vocabulary either through introducing a new word or a word that you feel is underused. 

2.    To comment on the members’ use of English - good and bad 

Prior to the meeting:

1.    Read these guidelines! They relate specifically to the Wordmaster/Grammarian role in our club.

2.    You should also read about the Wordmaster/Grammarian role in your CC manual and your CL manual.

3.    Type or write the word of the evening in large letters on an A4 sheet of paper with an example of it being used in a sentence.  Make the font as large and bold as possible.  Make 2copies.   

4.    Rehearse your 2-minute introduction.

At the meeting:

1.    Arrive early, at least by 7.15 pm, and let the Toastmaster know you are there.

2.    If you are working on the CL manual, ask the Ah Counter or Timer to evaluate you, give them the manual and make sure they complete it by the end of the evening.  

3.    Using blue tack to stick the word on the lectern and at the back of the room before the meeting starts.

Introducing your role:

1.    Explain your role from the lectern in up to 2 mins. 

2.    Tell the audience that you will be listening carefully to everyone who speaks throughout the evening, paying particular attention to good and bad grammar, interesting or effective use of words and phrases, use of metaphors, similes and triads, too much use of slang, clichés, jargon.  Tell them you will report back at the end of the evening.

3.    Introduce the word of the evening and ask the members to incorporate it into their speech throughout the evening. Give a definition of the word and an example sentence.

During the meeting:

1.    Listen carefully to everyone who speaks.

2.    Record those who used the word of the evening in any of its forms.

3.    Note good and bad use of grammar, interesting words and phrases, descriptive use of language.  Note unnecessary use of slang, too many clichés, too much jargon.

4.    Don’t try to write everything down or you may get lost in your notes later.

5.    Take into account the speakers’ levels of English which may not be their mother tongue.

Your report (3 mins):

1.    Deliver your report from the lectern including which members (and guests) used the word of the evening and how many times.

2.    Give your Grammarian’s report.  Focus on the use of language both good and bad.

3.     Make your report a well-structured mini-speech lasting up to 3mins using the skills you have learned as your performance will be evaluated at the end of the evening – by the General Evaluator. 

How this role helps you:

1.    This role will help you to enhance your listening skills as you must listen intently to everyone who speaks

2.    You will practice making quick and accurate observations.  No time for indecisiveness.

3.    You will deliver a well-structured oral report to the members; thereby giving you practice in delivering a mini-speech.

4.    You can use it to advance your CL manual for the following project:

o   Project 1 – Listening and Leadership

o   Project 2 – Critical Thinking

o   Project 3 – Giving Feedback

o   Project 4 – Time Management