Table
Topics Master
The TMEs
program has a tradition–every member speaks at a meeting. The
table topics session is that portion of the meeting which
insures this tradition. The purpose of this period is to have
members “think on their feet” and speak for a minute or
so.
The topics master prepares and
issues the topics; originality is desirable as much as
possible. Each speaker may be given an individual subject or a
choice of subjects may be presented from which the members can
draw at random.
PRIOR TO
THE MEETING
Check with
the TME to find out if a theme meeting is scheduled. If so,
prepare topics to carry out that theme. If no theme is
scheduled, choose a wide selection of topics. Do not repeat the
previous week’s table topics ideas or items.
Find out who the prepared
speakers, evaluators, general evaluator, and TME are so you can
call on the other members first. Only if time permits at the
end of the topics session should you call on program
participants (speakers last).
When choosing your specific
questions: Select ones that will inspire the speakers to
expound on them, give their opinions, etc. Don’t make the
questions too long or complicated. Phrase them in such a way
that the speaker clearly will know what you want them to talk
about.
Keep your comments short. Your
job is to give others a chance to speak, not to give a series
of mini-talks yourself.
Remember, table topics has a
twofold purpose:
First, to give everyone in the
room an opportunity to speak–especially those who are not on
the program–and,
second, to get people to learn
to “think and speak on their feet.”
DURING THE
MEETING
When
introduced, briefly state the purpose of the topics
session.
Set the stage for your topics
program. Keep your remarks brief but enthusiastic. If the Club
has a “Word of the Day,” encourage speakers to use the word in
their response.
Keep the program rolling; be
certain everyone understands the maximum time they have for
their response and how the timing lights/device works: Green on
1, Amber on 1’30”, Red on 2 and bell rings on 2’30” (Ask Timer
to demonstrate while you illustrate)
State the question briefly–then
call on a respondent. This serves two purposes: First, it holds
everyone’s attention–each one is thinking of a response should
he or she be called on to speak; and second, it adds to the
value of the impromptu element by giving everyone an
opportunity to improve his or her “better listening and
thinking” skills.
It can also be done the other way
round, i.e. to call on a respondent first, before giving out
the topic.
Call on speakers at random. Avoid
going around the room in the order in which people are
sitting.
Guests may be invited to speak,
provided that they want to. Do not embarrass the guest if he or
she is very uncomfortable; move on to the next
respondent.
Try to avoid calling upon program
participants (i.e. evaluators, TME, speakers etc) and if there
is the need to, arrange for the “prepared speech speakers” to
respond last, and only if they want to.
Give each participant a different
question. Don’t ask two people the same thing unless you ask
each specifically to give the “pro” or “con” side.
Watch your total time! Check the
printed agenda for the total time allotted to table topics and
adjust the number of questions to end your segment on
time.
Even if your portion started
late, try to end on time to avoid the total meeting running
overtime.
At the end of the table topics
session ask the timer to report those eligible for the award.
Then ask members to vote for “Best Table Topics Speaker” and
pass their votes to the Sergeant at Arms.
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