Welcome Traffic Toastmasters History Meeting Information Speaking Roles Agenda Speaking Tips Other Resources Frequently Asked Questions Toastmaster Events Contact Us		How To Make Table Topics User Friendly << back to speaking tips You've just been offered a new job that has the challenge you want and the salary you deserve. But one thing is holding you back - you'll have to make presentations to coworkers and perhaps even to associates outside the company. The thought of speaking in front of a group has always terrified you. So you make the only logical decision possible at this point. You accept the job, and you join Toastmasters. Many people join Toastmasters for just such a reason. But you will soon discover that Toastmasters does more than just empower you to give prepared speeches in front of others. You'll also learn to speak extemporaneously by participating in Table Topics. This "thinking on your feet" is a process many people find difficult. It requires the ability to quickly gather your wits and prepare a response. It's easy to understand why some Toastmasters say Table Topics is their least favorite part of the meeting. However, it does not have to be as intimidating as it sounds. When called on to be Topic Master, you can do your part to make the process easier for you and your fellow club members by following a few simple guidelines: 1. Choose your topic(s) wisely. Check with the meeting's Tastmaster ahead of time to see if there is a special theme and then coordinate your topic to go along with it. If there is no theme, think about what you would like to discuss: Have you read any interesting newspaper or magazine articles, or taken part in any special activities or events lately? What time of year is it? Is there a holiday coming up, or is it time to start planning summer vacation s? If something piques your interest, rest assured that others in your club are interested too. Always stick to noncontroversial subjects. Remember what your parents taught you: Never discuss politics or religion! It is not appropriate, for example, to ask which candidate will get a member's vote. Your objective is to get club members to talk, not to start an argument! If you are determined to talk about politics, ask a broader question, such as, "How do you think the political process will evolve over the next 20 years?" 2. Consider members' interests. If you're a man who is a sports aficionado and whose club is made up mostly of men, you may be inclined to choose sports are your topic. There is nothing wrong with doing so; many women are sports enthusiasts too. However, it might be wise to have an alternate question or two handy for those members, male or female, who aren't "into" sports. In fact, it is always a good idea to have alternate questions handy, regardless of the main topic. 3. Keep your questions brief. When you are on the receiving end of a Table Topic, it is challenging enough to be asked to discuss something you may not have given much thought to until that very moment. As Topic Master, don't complicate matters by taking too long to ask the question! Introduce the subject, and get to the point quickly. 4. Ask the question (or give the topic for discussion) before addressing a specific Toastmaster. This is one of the cardinal rules of Table Topics, but one that many Toastmasters forget. Maintain the element of surprise by calling on Toastmasters at random. Saying the Toastmaster's name first allows that person to begin formulating his or her response while you are still asking the question. Saying the name last causes everyone in the group to pay attention to the entire question because they don't know who will be chosen to speak. Another cardinal rule: Before the meeting starts, determine which Toastmasters are scheduled to be speakers or evaluators. You don't want to call on them for Table Topics until all non-speakers have had the opportunity to participate. 5. Lighten up. Table Topics need not always revolve around serious issues or be especially thought provoking. Ask about favorite TV shows, movies or books. Get personal and ask, "What is the funniest (or strangest, or most exciting) thing that ever happened to you?" Ask if they have a hobby or special interest and how they would explain it to a novice. Keep in mind that although you may be the only gourmet cook in your group, your fellow Toastmasters will at least have a favorite dish or restaurant to expound on. Ask them to explain what it is about that particular food or restaurant that makes it their favorite. Or turn the question around and ask about their least favorites. 6. Have an adequate number of questions or topics prepared. If your club allots 20 minutes for Table Topics, plan to have about 15 questions. It is better to have too many than too few. If you find yourself running out of questions before time is up, it is acceptable to repeat some questions; however, mix up the order so participants won't know what's next. When you are on the receiving end of Table Topics, there are also some things you can do to make the experience less stressful: Pay attention. When the Topic Master takes her place at the lectern, direct your attention to her. Fight the temptation to daydream; you'll never know when you will be called on. Breathe. When you are called to speak, stand up, take a breath and address the club: "Madame Toastmaster, fellow Toastmasters and guest." Then repeat or paraphrase the question: "What do I consider to be the stangest thing that ever happened to me?" These brief "stalls"allow your mind's computer to start sifting through all your life experiences to formulate a response. Direct your response to the group. Remember to speak slowly and talk to everyone in the room; do not just look at the Topic Master. Think about your body language. Relax, stand up straight and don't let your arms dangle aimlessly at your sides. Use gestures to accent remarks, or place your hands in front of you, with your fingers laced together. Watch your time. Keep an eye on the Timekeeper so you don't speak less or more than the allotted time. When you finish your response, thank the Topic Master and sit down. Taking part in Table Topics, either as Topic Master or as a participant, is important to developing your communication and leadership skills. You may decide that impromptu speaking is still not your cup of tea. Or you may find that you have a knack for it and begin competing in Table Topics contests. Either way, following the above suggestions will help you become a more confident and competent speaker. Taken from "the Toastmaster", written by Mary Menke, CTM, a member of South County Club 1957-8 in St. Louis, Missouri.
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