A great place to sharpen your tongue

Choose a Subject

Consider basing it on the theme of the meeting. Contact the Chairman if you want advance notice of the theme.

Choose something topical.

Choose something that interests you.

Choose a Format

Standard - Make a list of questions and assign them to speakers at the meeting – advantage: you can pick appropriate speakers, eg give new members or guests and easy question or give a humorous question to a speaker known for humour.

Lottery - Assign each question a number and have the speaker pick a number.

Debate – assign pairs of speakers to each speak about an opposing side of the same issue – advantage: you don’t need to think of as many questions.

Running the Table Topics

Explain the purpose of table topics – especially if there are guests.

Ask guests if they want to participate. Let them see someone else go first before they decide.

Assume the role of the chair during table topics. Use bridging comments when possible eg comment on speakers’ responses.

Lead the applause when speakers step up to podium and when they finish and shake hands before and after they speak.