Table Topics Ideas: Round Robin Storytelling

For this idea, the Table Topics Master starts the Table Topics Session with a few opening lines of a story. It doesn't have a complex start, in fact it's be better to have a simple story opening.

If you are stumped for story openings, try to introduce a character and a goal that they are aiming for. For example, a simple banker who is tired of his normal job and is trying to become a successful singer.

Once the introduction is laid out, call on a speaker from the audience to continue the story from where it stopped. After the speaker adds to the story for about a minute or so, they can call on another person to continue the story and so on.

The challenge is to keep the story going, with each speaker taking up the story from where the previous speaker left off.

The Table Topics Master can end the story or appoint a speaker to end the story when time for the session runs out.

So if you're ready to try something new for Table Topics, try this out. Not only will you hear some crazy plot twists but you will also get loads of laughter.

Meeting Prep Series: Table Topics Master

What is a Table-Topics Master?

As Table Topics Master, you preside over the Table Topics segment which is basically the impromptu speaking session. This is the time when members of the audience, who don't have a meeting role, can come forward and speak on a given topic for 1-2 minutes.

You, as the Table Topics Master, decide on an overall theme and choose questions based upon that theme.

Do I have to get my CL manual filled?

Yes. In your CL manual, you can get your performance evaluated under the title of TopicsMaster

Projects that have a TopicsMaster section are: Project 4 (Time Management), Project 5 (Planning and Implementation), and Project 7 (Facilitation)

Who evaluates me?

Before the meeting starts, hand your CL manual to the VP of Education who will find you an evaluator. Or you can directly ask any club member in the audience to evaluate your performance.

What does the Table Topics Master do?

Before the Meeting

 

1. Ask the Vice President of Education how much time is allotted to the Table Topics segment in the upcoming meeting.

 

2. Choose a theme for the session.

 

3. Prepare at least 6 to 7 questions, although you may only have time for 4 or 5 questions. Make questions concise and easy to understand.

 

4. Prepare props or any other materials you plan to use.

On the Meeting day

 

1. After all the speech evaluations are completed, the General Evaluator(GE) will call you to the front. When you reach the front of the room, thank and shake hands with the GE. Turn to the audience and give a brief 2-3 minute description of Table Topics- it's benefits and importance.

 

2. Explain how the Table Topics will proceed by talking about: rules for the table topics, time durations for the speakers, whether speakers can volunteer or have to be chosen, etc. - whatever you feel the audience needs to know so that they can participate.

 

3. Ask the questions. You can also give an example of how to answer, if you think that will put the audience more at ease.

4. Ask for volunteers. Or call up specific members of the audience. Check the Agenda and, preferably, call on members who have no other speaking role or else have minor speaking roles only. You can even call on guests who look at ease.

5. Check with the meeting Timer to ensure that you are on schedule with the Agenda.

6. At the end of your Table Topics session, thank all the speakers for their participation.

Some Tips

1. Don't be afraid to ask for help if you are unsure about your role. Talk to the club executives or other club members about their own experiences.

2. Be positive.

3. Avoid long and detailed questions that will only confuse the Speaker.

4. If no one is volunteering, try to ask the audience members who haven't had a chance to speak in the meeting so far.

5. Check your CL manual. Each project has a different set of requirements for completion that will help you better prepare for your role.

 

Table Topic Ideas: The Impromptu Debate

Due to a last minute agenda change at our January 18th club meeting, we lacked a prepared Table Topics Master. Thankfully, club member Jocelyne stepped up and provided just what we needed to keep the meeting going- an Impromptu Debate Session.

First, she divided the meeting room audience into two teams and then provided topics like "Should cell phones be banned from cares?" and "Should the death penalty be abolished?" With such interesting topics, the audience participated enthusiastically.

Since this impromptu debate session was such a success, here are some very basic guidelines if you wish to hold or participate in such a session during a future club meeting.

For the Table Topics Master/Debate Master
As the one who will run this sessions, you'll need to

1. Find and supply suitable debate topics. Topics can be current issues or even questions about general philosophies and ideas. The topic must be interesting and appropriate to the audience.
2. Decide which team is "For/Affirmative" and which has the "Against/Negative" stance on the given topic.
3. Keep track of the time for this session. If possible, give the meeting timer a guideline to follow.

For the Table Topics Speaker/ Debate Participant
No matter which side of the debate you have to speak for, the content of your debate speech must contain three parts.

1. Assertion: The major point of your argument
2. Reasoning: Explain why you believe your position is right
3. Evidence: A fact relevant to the topic that supports your reasoning.

If you wish to argue against the opposing teams' statement, take the main point of their argument and show that it doesn't make sense.

Of course, there are many more rules and guidelines on how to run a debate session. If you're interested in learning more, have a look at the Debate Handbook provided by Toastmasters International. You can read one of the older versions of the Debate Handbook here.