Meeting Role Guide
Topics Master
Toastmasters role: Table Topics Master
Present a fun activity that encourages audience members to deliver short speeches on impromptu subjects.
The Role
The Topics Master is a fun and creative role that presents the opportunity to develop a rapport with the audience, while presenting a fun activity that encourages audience members to present short speeches on impromptu subjects. In its simplest form, the Topics Master asks questions of participants who then respond for a minimum of one minute to a maximum of two minutes. Because of the time expected from participants, it is important for the Topics Master to provide open-ended questions that provide a starting point for participants to build into a short speech.
The goal of Table Topics is to provide participants an opportunity to think on their feet in a safe environment. Over time, members will learn to construct an effective and structured answer to a posed question without hesitation. As Topics Master, one’s job is to provide a supportive environment for members so they are encouraged to step up and try their hand at impromptu speaking.
The number of question-and-answer sessions will vary from meeting to meeting depending on the agenda and run time of the meeting. In Dungeons & Toast, we encourage our Topics Master to ask questions until the top of the hour. This usually works out to between8 and 10 questions. Verify the timing with the Toastmaster if you feel you may be running out of time. The Topics Master will want to have a variety of questions on hand and perhaps over prepare to minimize delays.
Before the Meeting
- Prior to the meeting, the Topics Master should choose a meeting theme, adding it to the agenda by clicking on the text "Not yet chosen" at the top of the meeting page. This will trigger an announcement of the theme to Discord and help our Master Bard prepare any virtual backgrounds to complement the theme.
- Using your chosen theme for inspiration, prepare a list of topics or questions. Many options can be found online by searching for “Table Topics ideas.”
During the Meeting
During the meeting, the Topics Master will give a description of their role, giving information on timing and inviting visitors to participate if they choose (see Describe Your Role, below). The Topics Master will then present the topics. Alternate methods include inviting speakers before or after the question is given or simply assigning topics to members. Participation should be encouraged, but no one should be forced to speak. People with other roles in the meeting, especially Watchmen, should be excluded, or asked last to give them time to work on their evaluations.
After the Meeting
No tasks.
When You’re Called On
As Topics Master, I will be presenting a series of questions for audience members to answer in impromptu speeches of one to two minutes. This will allow members the chance to practice their public speaking skills alongside their wit in a low-key environment for a short period of time. Visitors are welcome to participate, but are not required to do so if uncomfortable. Remember to speak until you reach the green notification from the Sorcerer of Time.
Skills You’ll Practice
Time management, preparation, facilitation
Why Take This Role?
Whether it’s participating in a brainstorming session, interviewing a notable individual, or getting to know a person more intimately, being able to draw out answers from people you’ve asked questions of is an important skill that helps to develop relationships and fosters clear communication that can be directed to a number of objectives in life.