Role Player - Table Topics Master

The Table Topics Master acts as a facilitator, presiding over the Table Topics portion of the club meeting. Table Topics provides those members and guests not assigned a meeting role an opportunity to speak during the meeting. During Table Topics, the Table Topics Master gives each member or guest a subject, and the speaker gives a one to two minute impromptu talk on the subject. Table Topics helps members learn to think and speak "on their feet".

Before the Meeting

• Checks if theme meeting is scheduled. Prepares subjects related to theme. If not, Table Topics Master chooses subjects, making sure previous session's topics not repeated.
• Finds out scheduled speakers, role players and evaluators and makes a point to call on others to speak during Table Topics. Only if time permits does the Table Topics Master call on program participants.
• Selects topics that allow the speaker to give an opinion or provide information.
• Phrases the topic clearly and simply so speaker immediately understands the question.
• Plans and keeps comments short, so many others will have the chance to speak.

During the Meeting

• Takes to the lectern their list of Table Topics questions and the meeting agenda (to ensure that non-program participants can be invited to take part in Table Topics)
• Very briefly states purpose of Table Topics for benefit of guests and new members.
• States Table Topics theme, if one exists, and explains it.
• Encourages speakers to use the 'Word of the Day'.
• Explains timing procedures for Table Topics Speakers, if not explained by the Timer.
• States first Table Topics question and then calls on a respondent.
• Calls on speakers randomly, avoids calling on people in order in which they are sitting (guests may request to pass).
• Watches time, referring to agenda for total time allotted. Adjusts number of topics to ensure session ends on time, even if began late.
• Introduces the Toastmaster to resume control of the meeting.