Tips for Table Topic Masters

The Table Topics session in Toastmasters is about unprepared speaking. As the Table Topics Master you prepare Table Topics in advance, and call upon speakers to hold unprepared speeches on the topics. The speeches are usually about two minutes long.

Here are my tips when you are the Table Topic Master:

General

  • Speak shortly and with enthusiasm!
  • Explain why table topics are important to practice.
  • Stand near the audience so speakers can see you without turning.
  • Give examples, especially if the Table Topics are challenging or guests are present.

Choosing Table Topics

  • Funny topics can relax speakers that hold speeches later in the meeting.
  • Reuse great Table Topics themes, but change the topics.
  • Search for Table Topics online if you feel uncreative. Here are my ideas for Table Topics.

Ask for Volunteers or Pick Speakers?

If you pick the speakers, instead of asking for volunteers, you can:

  1. Begin and end with experienced speakers to set good examples.
  2. Get persons without meeting roles to speak.
  3. Involve guests, if they want, in the meeting.

However, volunteers are often full of energy, so they can bring life into the meeting.

Random Topics or Matched Topics?

  • If the speakers randomly pick a table topic from a hat that adds extra excitement.
  • However, if you give speakers topics you can match tougher Table Topics with more experienced speakers.

Read first, then pick a person, or vice versa?

  1. If you announce the table topic first, and then call upon someone, the whole audience starts preparing, but the speaker gets more time.

  2. If you call upon someone first, and then announce the Table Topic, the table topic speaker gets less time to think.

Try different versions!