TABLE TOPICS

TIPS FOR PRESENTER.

 

  1. Read the instructions – blue book "A Toastmaster Wears Many Hats" also check the Communication and Leadership Manual for tips at the back of the book.
  2. Make a list of people that are not doing assigned roles at the start of the meeting and make sure they get asked first.
  3. Do not ask guests a question unless you have approached them first and get their agreement – you may embarrass them to the point where they do not return.
  4. Ask an experienced toastmaster or competent speaker first so that they give an example or model answer.
  5. Give a brief example as to what sort of answer you are looking for yourself, by way of your introduction to the topic.
  6. Select a topic that is easy to answer and that will strike chord with all of the audience – for example 14th century French poetry may excite some but not others.
  7. Only ask one question of one person and make it dead clear what you are asking – keep it simple and un-convoluted.
  8. Do something entirely different from the last few weeks – use a bit of lateral thinking. Use props. Bring in your 6 favourite cuddly toys and hand them around, pictures of 6 favourite politicians or celebrities – work around them.
  9. Fit in as many people as you can – you should target 6 people but have 7-8 questions up your sleeve as some people may not achieve their 90 seconds. Keep your eye on the overall time and stick to 10 minutes or whatever is allocated.
  10. Your own speeches should be fairly brief – set the scene, give an example as required, ask the questions, stand back to encourage the speaker to give eye contact to the rest not yourself (don’t be the focus of their answer), some filler material connecting the previous topic to the next. Don’t evaluate the speakers as they have finished. Lead the applause after each speaker.