CORONADO TOASTMASTERS CLUB of Albuquerque, NM
TOASTMASTER OF THE DAY
The “Bare Bones” responsibilities, or the SEVEN STEPS FOR SUCCESS, for the Toastmaster are as follows:
1. Come PREPARED. (Have a back-up plan!)
2. Make a few brief preliminary COMMENTS.
3. Introduce the other program PARTICIPANTS.
4. Introduce each SPEAKER and announce the speech title.
5. Call for REPORTS from the other program participants.
6. Introduce the General EVALUATOR.
7. Return control of the meeting to the Club PRESIDENT.
When you are scheduled to be the Toastmaster of the Day at Coronado Toastmasters Club, you will receive a “Toastmaster’s Worksheet“. This worksheet is provided as a guide to insure all important parts of the program are covered.
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Let’s review these SEVEN STEPS FOR SUCCESS in detail. The first, Coming Prepared, implies these three actions:
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1. a. COMING PREPARED - PREPARATION
You are responsible for the entire program! This includes planning the format well in advance. The use of a meeting theme assures continuity. Be sure to let everyone who will be affected know well in advance. Have a back-up plan if someone doesn’t make the meeting at the last moment.
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1. b. COMING PREPARED - CONFIRMATION
Contact everyone who has a part in the program one week before the meeting. Get speech titles, times required, and training manual numbers from the speakers. Determine any props, materials or special assistance they might need. (NOTE: It is the Toastmaster member’s responsibility to contact the Toastmaster of the Day and obtain a replacement if they cannot be present for their portion of the program.)
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1. c. COMING PREPARED - ENTHUSIASM
As Toastmaster, you set the pace and tone for the meeting. A strong, enthusiastic attitude will go a long way toward making a program successful. Approach the lectern with confidence and enthusiasm. Walk with a brisk step, head-up and a smile on your face. Greet your audience enthusiastically. Make a determined effort to keep your pitch and pace at a level that always conveys ENTHUSIASM.
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2. PRELIMINARY COMMENTS
This is not your time to make a speech. You should need just a few moments to set the stage for what comes next in the program. Once the audience knows what you have in mind, proceed to ...
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3. INTRODUCE OTHER PROGRAM PARTICIPANTS
Identify the Humorist, the Grammarian/Ah Counter, the Timer/Tabulator, the General Evaluator, the Skill Builder and the Table Topics Master. Ask them to participate as their roles require.
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4. INTRODUCE EACH SPEAKER AND ANNOUNCE THE SPEECH TITLE
The key word is “introduce”. Do a bit of research and have something interesting to say about each person. When you have announced the title and name of the speaker, lead the applause. Phrase like, “Let’s welcome...” and Please welcome” are p[perfectly acceptable and help generate applause. (NOTE: Once you have started the applause, keep clapping until the speaker has reached the lectern.) Smile warmly, shake hands with the a speaker, step aside, but don’t sit until he has acknowledged your introduction. Remain alert to assist the speaker in any way required.
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5. CALL FOR REPORTS FROM OTHER PROGRAM PARTICIPANTS
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6. CALL FOR REPORTS FROM THE GENERAL EVALUATOR
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7. RETURN CONTROL OF THE MEETING TO THE CLUB PRESIDENT
Remember, as Toastmaster, you can arrange the program any way you like. Coronado Toastmasters of Albuquerque wants you to have maximum flexibility. Afterall, you are running the show! Still, if you have an idea that you think will benefit those in attendance, consider it carefully. Determine if it will work and then use it. Remember, there is some preparation for this role, but you can have lots of fun!