Evaluations: The Voice of Leadership by Stuart Tan (22nd March 2008)

When you are the Table Topics Master

Before the Meeting
· Review the General Evaluator Guidelines for evaluating the Table Topics Master to
familiarize yourself with what is important in your role.
· Select a theme and questions that promote easy discourse.

Being creative and concise is the key to a successful Table Topics program. Keep in
mind that the goal of Table Topics is to provide an opportunity for members and
guests to speak extemporaneously. This is not a “stump the speaker” exercise.
· Prepare six questions (or more depending on club schedule)
· Act as a facilitator, not a speaker, by making your questions concise and to the point.

Impromptu Speaking Tips

“It usually takes me more than three weeks to prepare a good impromptu speech.”

– Mark Twain

Introduction

When people are suddenly asked to speak impromptu their nerves begin to flutter like butterflies, however as Toastmasters we have the advantage of practicing impromptu speaking in order to keep those butterflies in formation. The Toastmasters Table Topics Session is a valuable exercise in order to practice the following suggestions and improve your skills and ability to speak extemporaneously.