Ahs Counter/Grammarian Guide

The information below is from the Communication and Leadership Manual (a.k.a. Basic Manual).  Refer to this manual for more information but note some of the meeting roles and responsibilities have been modified to fit LOTC interests.

If you have any questions, contact the General Evaluator.

The Ahs Counter/Grammarian insures the LOTC Mission "To create a supportive environment for members to improve their communication and leadership skills" .  

 

The Ahs Counter/Grammarian is responsible for tracking Members commendable and less commendable uses of English, verbal crutches and pause filler.

 

The Ahs Counter/Grammarian has three responsibilities: 1. Introduce your “Word of the Day”, 2. Comment on the use of English during the meeting and 3. Count verbal crutches, pause filler and use of the “Word of the Day”.

 

• “Word of the Day”: Contact the meeting’s Toastmaster or General Evaluator to find out if there is a meeting theme.  If there is a meeting theme find a complimentary word of the day.  If should be a word that will help Members increase their vocabulary -- a word that can be incorporated easily into everyday conversation but is different from the way people usually express themselves.  An adjective or adverb is suggested since they are more adaptable than a noun or verb, but feel free to select your own special word. 
• Verbal Crutches: 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 pharse such as “I,I…” or “This means, this means…”
• Pause Filler: Inappropriately long pauses in speech 

Early in the week:

• Select a “Word of the Day”. 
• If you have any questions about your responsibilities contact the General Evaluator.

Right before the meeting:

 

• Place your visual aid at the front of the room where it can be seen by all.  In letters large enough to be seen from the back of the room, print your word, its part of speech (adjective, adverb, noun, etc) and a brief definition.  Prepare a sentence showing how the word is used.
• Get a copy of the ahs/grammarian report from the LOTC supply box on which to make notes.

During the meeting:

 

• The General Evaluator will call on you at the beginning of the meeting to introduce yourself, explain your role as ahs counter and grammarian and the “Word of the Day”.
• Throughout the meeting, listen to everyone’s word usage.  Write down any awkward use or misuse of the language (incomplete sentences, sentences that change direction in midstream, incorrect grammar, malapropisms, etc) with a note of who erred. 
• Keep a tally of who and how many times Members used the “Word of the Day” correctly.
• Throughout the meeting listen for “crutches”.
• When called on by the General Evaluator during the evaluation segment stand by your chair and give your report.  As the Grammarian, try to offer the correct usage in every instance where there was misuse instead of only explaining what is wrong.  Report on creative language usage and announce who used the “Word of the Day” correctly.
• At the end of your report return control of the meeting back to the General Evaluator.