Introducing the role: “As Topics Master it is my job to challenge members to demonstrate their impromptu speaking skills in 1-to-2 minute speeches on topics that they did NOT have the opportunity to prepare for in advance. Guests may be offered the option of participating, but we will call on an experienced Toastmaster first.”
Taking on this role improves organization skills, time management and facilitation skills.
The Topics Master delivers the Table Topics® portion of the meeting, which helps train members to quickly organize and express their thoughts in an impromptu setting. As Topics Master, you:
- Select topics in advance of the meeting that allow speakers to offer opinions.
- Give members who aren’t assigned a speaking role the opportunity to speak during the meeting by assigning impromptu talks on non-specialized themes or topics.
- Don’t ask two people the same thing unless you specify that it is to generate opposing viewpoints.
- In clubs presenting a Best Table Topics speaker award, ask members to vote for the best Table Topics speaker.