| TOASTMASTER |
| Recommended: Completion of six speeches The function of Toastmaster is critical to the success of our meetings. To be a successful Toastmaster you need to be prepared. Enthusiasm will carry you a long way as Toastmaster but please note that it helps to be equally well informed. Being a Toastmaster is a challenging duty but it can also be a very rewarding experience. Prior to meeting: The week before you are Toastmaster confirm at the end of the meeting next weeks agenda. Ask for volunteers to replace dropouts. In the days prior to the night you'll be Toastmaster phone everyone whose duties have not been confirmed. Make additional calls to make sure that all duties are filled. On a few occasions you might have to request that experienced members take on multiple roles. In fact, even after all this work you may still be short of members to take on all the duties in which case you would have to look for volunteers to fill in before the meeting begins. Sometimes, members need to be coaxed and encouraged to volunteer. A few days before the meeting at which you will be TM call the scheduled speakers and ask for information about their speeches. This would include the following, which you should weave into your introduction of the speaker together with personal data about the speaker such as hobbies, interests, personal philosophy, etc. � Title of speech � Which speech manual and speech they are doing and its number � Objectives of the speech Be both enthusiastic and informative in your introduction of the speaker. You may also adapt your introductions according to the nature of the speech to follow: i.e., light and funny for a humorous speech.. During the meeting: Notify the chairman of any last-minute agenda changes before he opens the meeting. When the chairman introduces you: - Give a few opening remarks to set the tone you want for the speeches - Announce this is now the prepared speech part of the program. Some well-chosen words will be in order - Introduce the first speaker ending with the speaker's name and speech title. - All subsequent introductions of speakers should follow this format - Lead the applause as the speaker approaches the lectern. When the speaker arrives at the lectern, repeat the name and title. - When each speaker is finished, lead the applause and express thanks. Make some pertinent comments. - Call for a vote for Best Speaker after the last has finished. - Introduce and turn over the meeting to the General Evaluator. When the General Evaluator is finished, lead the applause; accept control of the meeting and thank the General Evaluator.Announce that you will be awarding ribbons. Collect the names of the winners from the Ballot Counter and give the appropriate ribbon to the best speaker, best evaluator, and best table-topics speaker. Advise the members that your duties as TM are completed and return control of the meeting back to the Chairman. |
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