Assignment Guide: Table Topics Master

Follow the comments and suggestions in your Communications and Leadership Program" Manual.

It is your responsibility to call on people in attendance who are not formally included in the published agenda. Remember, only guests are allowed to vollunteer. Members are always expected to be ready to speak on any topic.

Unless previously structured by the VP of Education or by the theme of the day, this is a free format part of the club program. Be creative whenever possible. If you have trouble putting together your portion of the program, contact the VP of Education for ideas.

As Table Topics Master. You have a unique opportunity and responsibility to spark the members interest and enthusiasm by providing a program which offers each individual called upon the chance to speak. The ideas listed below are examples. In principle, questions that call for specific expertise should be avoided unless you know the person has such expertise.
When you call on members, be sure to first call on members who do not have a role in the meeting. From there, go onto minor roles. Speakers, evaluators, and the Toastmaster should be last if called upon at all. Explain to guests that they will not be called upon to participate unless they volunteer but give them an opportunity to do sof if time permits.
Finally, members of the club are NEVER asked to volunteer. The purpose of Table Topics is to teach us to think on our feet. While the table Topics Master may select easier subhjects for newer members, there should be no volunteers. The element of surprise is important for all members in improving their skill. Members are expected to be able to talk about any and every subject at any time. If you don't know anythiong about a subject, the job is to smoothly transition ionto a subject you can handle.
"Round Robin" - The Table Topics Master gives a noun to the first participant who expounds on that subject for a minute. At the end of the minute, time is called and the Table Topics Master selects the next participant to continue the story.

"Mini Debate" Present a question and assign individuals to give a pro and a con view. A summary could be added or a conclusion of the members presented by another participant.

"Man in the Street Interview".

General discussion of club performance.

Current events.

Describe significant events in your life such as how I met my mate, my most frightening moment, the best time I ever had, or my most memorable occasion.

The participant has just been given an award and someone yells "Speech Speech!"