Table Topics Master

Role Overview

As Table Topics Master, you lead one of the most dynamic parts of the meeting - impromptu speaking. You'll help members and guests practice thinking on their feet and organizing thoughts quickly.

What Are Table Topics?

Table Topics is the impromptu speaking portion where participants:

• • Respond to questions without preparation
• • Speak for 1-2 minutes
• • Practice organizing thoughts quickly
• • Build confidence in unexpected situations

Preparing Your Topics

Choose Your Approach

Themed Topics

Create cohesion with a central theme:

• • Seasonal (holidays, weather, events)
• • Current events
• • Professional development
• • Personal growth
• • Humor and creativity

Mixed Topics

Variety of unrelated questions for diversity:

• • Some serious, some light
• • Mix of personal and general
• • Different difficulty levels

Crafting Good Questions

The best Table Topics questions are open-ended but specific enough to give speakers direction.

Good Questions:

• • "What superpower would help you most at work and why?"
• • "Describe a time when you had to think creatively to solve a problem"
• • "If you could have dinner with any historical figure, who would it be and what would you ask them?"

Avoid:

• • Yes/no questions
• • Questions requiring specialized knowledge
• • Controversial or sensitive topics
• • Questions that are too vague

During the Meeting

Your Introduction

Start with a brief explanation:

"Welcome to Table Topics, where we practice impromptu speaking. I'll ask a question, and the speaker has 1-2 minutes to respond. There's no right or wrong answer - just share your thoughts. Who'd like to go first?"

Calling on Speakers

Strategy for Selection

• Start with confident members to set the tone
• Include newer members mid-session
• Invite willing guests
• End with strong speakers

Making It Comfortable

• • Make eye contact before calling someone
• • Use encouraging body language
• • If someone declines, move on gracefully
• • Thank each speaker enthusiastically

Managing the Session

Time Management:

• • Aim for 6-8 speakers in 20 minutes
• • Keep transitions brief
• • Watch the Timer's signals
• • Be ready to fill time if needed

Energy Management:

• • Maintain enthusiasm throughout
• • Use variety in your delivery
• • React positively to each response
• • Keep the pace moving

Sample Topics by Category

Professional Development

• • What skill would make you twice as valuable in your job?
• • Describe your ideal work environment
• • How do you handle criticism at work?

Personal Growth

• • What habit would you like to develop this year?
• • Describe a failure that taught you something valuable
• • What advice would you give your younger self?

Creative/Fun

• • If your life was a movie, what would the title be?
• • You've won a million pounds but must spend it in 24 hours. What do you do?
• • Create a new holiday. What would we celebrate and how?

Current Events (Evergreen)

• • How has technology changed the way we communicate?
• • What local issue deserves more attention?
• • Describe a positive change you've seen in society

Advanced Techniques

The Story Prompt

Instead of questions, give scenario beginnings:

• • "You wake up and discover..."
• • "The phone rings at midnight..."
• • "You're the last person on Earth..."

The Object Method

Bring items and ask speakers to:

• • Sell the item
• • Tell a story about it
• • Explain its importance in 2050

Role Play

Ask speakers to respond as:

• • Their favorite fictional character
• • A historical figure
• • Their future self

Remember: Table Topics isn't about putting people on the spot—it's about giving them an opportunity to shine.

Handling Challenges

Someone Freezes

• • Offer a simpler rephrasing
• • Suggest they start with "That reminds me of..."
• • Move to another speaker if needed

Running Out of Time

• • Have 2-3 quick topics ready
• • "In one word, describe..."
• • "Quick round: everyone gets 30 seconds"

Too Few Volunteers

• • Make topics easier and more fun
• • Start with yourself if needed
• • Ask officers to participate

Best Practices

Do's

✓ Speak clearly and project your voice ✓ Repeat the question for everyone ✓ Show enthusiasm for every response ✓ Thank each speaker by name ✓ Keep energy high

Don'ts

✗ Don't comment extensively on responses ✗ Don't show disappointment if someone declines ✗ Don't ask embarrassing questions ✗ Don't forget to call for the vote

Your Growth

This role develops:

• • Quick thinking
• • Meeting management
• • Creativity
• • Ability to engage audiences
• • Confidence in leading

Closing Your Session

End with energy:

"What amazing responses! Thank you to everyone who participated in Table Topics today. You've shown that we can all think on our feet when needed. Voters, please mark your ballots for Best Table Topics Speaker. Toastmaster, back to you!"

Remember: Great Table Topics Masters create an atmosphere where everyone feels safe to try, fail, succeed, and most importantly, have fun while learning!