The Toastmasters program has a tradition that every member speaks at a meeting. The Table Topics session is that portion of the meeting which insures 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.

Points to remember:

�        Table Topics Master should try to coordinate topics to carry out the meeting theme.

�         The length of the Table Topics sessions depends on the number and length of prepared speeches scheduled. Prior to the meeting, check the agenda with the meeting's Toastmaster and prepare the number of topics accordingly.

�         At the meeting, begin with a brief explanation of the purpose of Table Topics.

�         It helps if this portion of the program is light in nature.

�         Topic or question should be brief and relatively easy for response. The goal is not to stump the participant.

�         Invite a guest to participate if they desire. This is traditionally done at the close of Table Topics.

Remember, Table Topics has a twofold purpose: First, to give everyone in the room an opportunity to speak - especially those who are not on the program - and, second, to get people to learn to "think and speak on their feet."