Super Saturday Humorous Speech Contests

Areas 1, 6, 7, 9, 12, 13, 14, 17, 19 & 29 compete Saturday, Sept. 18 

See the Event Calendar for details.

D5 Toastmasters

Theme for 2010-2011: Stand and Deliver

 
Meeting Roles PDF Print E-mail

Speaker

meeting_rolesPrior to the meeting - Check the meeting to find out when you are to speak. In order to get the most benefits from the program, prepare a speech based on a manual project. Present the speeches in numerical order because each project builds on the skills learned in the previous projects.

When you enter the room - Arrive early. Check the microphone, lighting, etc. before everyone arrives. Protect yourself from all of the problems that can ruin your talk. Sit near the front of the room for quick and easy access to the lectern. Carefully plan you approach to the lectern and speech opening. Be sure that you give your manual to your evaluator before the meeting starts.

During the meeting - Give your full attention to the speakers at the lectern. Avoid studying your speech notes while someone else is talking. When introduced, smoothly leave your chair and walk to the lectern as planned. As you begin your speech, acknowledge the Toastmaster and the audience.

After the meeting - Get your manual from your evaluator. At this time discuss any questions you may have concerning your evaluation to clarify any misinterpretations.

Evaluator

After every prepared speech, the speaker receives an evaluation. After you have presented a few speeches, you will be asked to serve as an evaluator and will evaluate one of the prepared speakers for the meeting. In addition to your oral evaluation, you will also give the speaker a written evaluation using the guide in the manual.

The evaluation you present can make the difference between a worthwhile or a wasted speech for your speaker. The purpose of the evaluation is to help the speaker become less self-conscious and a better speaker. This requires that you be fully aware of the speaker's skill level, habits, and mannerisms as well as his or her progress to date. If the speaker uses a technique or some gesture that receives a good response from the audience, tell the speaker so he or she will be encouraged to use it again.

Timer

When introduced, explain the timing rules and demonstrate the signal device. Throughout the meeting, signal each program participant as indicated below. In addition, signal the chairman, Toastmaster, and Table Topics master with red when they have reached their allotted or agreed upon time. Record each participant's name and time used.

When called to report by the topic master, Toastmaster, and/or general evaluator, stand by your chair, announce the speaker's name and the time taken. State those eligible for awards if your Club issues awards. Generally topic speakers should be +/- 15 seconds of allowed time; prepared speakers must be +/- 30 seconds of allowed time; the ah counter and grammarian must be +/- 15 seconds of allowed time; all others +/- 30 seconds. However, these times may vary from Club to Club.

Table Topics Master

The Toastmasters program has a tradition - every member speaks at the meeting. The Table Topics session is that portion of the meeting which ensures this tradition. The purpose of this period is to have members "think on their feet" and speak for a minute or so.

The topics master prepares and issues the topics; originality is desirable as much as possible. Each speaker may be given an individual subject or a choice of subjects may be presented from which the members can draw at random.

General Evaluator

The general evaluator is just what the name implies - an evaluator or anything and everything that takes place throughout the meeting. The responsibilities are large, but so are the rewards.

The general evaluator is responsible to the Toastmaster who will introduce you; at the conclusion of the evaluation segment of the meeting you will return control over to him or her. You are responsible for the evaluation team, which consists of the timer, grammarian, and ah counter.

Toastmaster

The main duty of the Toastmaster is to act as a genial host and conduct the entire program, including introducing participants. If the Toastmaster does not perform the duties well, an entire meeting can end in failure.

For obvious reasons, this task is not usually assigned to a member until he or she is quite familiar with the Club and its procedures. Program participants should be introduced in a way that excites the audience and motivates them to listen. The Toastmaster creates an atmosphere of interest, expectation and receptivity.

Grammarian

Being grammarian is truly an exercise in expanding your listening skills. You have two basic responsibilities: First, to introduce new words to members, and second, to comment on the use of English during the course of the meeting.

Ahs Counter

The purpose of the ah counter is to note words and sounds used as a "crutch" or "pause filler" by anyone who speaks during the meeting. Words may be inappropriate interjections such as "and, well, but, so, you know." Sounds may be "ah, um, er." You should also note when a speaker repeats a word or phrase such as "I, I" or "This means, this means."

 

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