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Sergeant at Arms (SAA)
The
Sergeant at Arms calls the meeting to order, leads the
Pledge of Allegiance, gives an invocation; and then introduces the
Toastmaster for the evening.
Toastmaster of the Evening (TME)
The TME
contacts participants prior to the meeting, develops meeting themes
(optional), acts as master of ceremonies, and introduces each member and
their duties. In addition, the Toastmaster also awards trophies, is
responsible for the crisp meeting flow and quality. Participating as a
toastmaster allows you to learn showmanship and attention to detail.
When introducing speakers, the TME will follow the POETS format:
- P - Project Title
- O - Objectives of Project (Can be obtained from the Project
manual)
- E - Name of Evaluator
- T - Time allowed for speech
- S - Name of Speaker
Table Topics Master
The Table Topics
Master prepares a list of questions or ideas to present to
four to five participants who give a one to two minute answer. This is a
chance to speak extemporaneously - with no prior preparation. It helps to
hone our ability to think on our feet and give a coherent answer even when
put on the spot. Participants learn the LPCTE (LISTEN, PAUSE, CONFIRM,
TELL and END) technique for impromptu speaking.
Each speaker is usually given about 1-2 minutes time to speak.
Forum Master
The Forum Leader
introduces a subject- usually current and controversial - and
narrows in on a specific aspect of the subject, then leads a 10 to 12
minute open discussion, followed by a brief summation of opinions
expressed. This is chance to learn how to direct group discussion and
extract the consensus feelings of the group.
Prepared
Speakers
Several members give prepared speeches
using guidelines given in the Basic Communications and Leadership Manual
or in one of the Advanced Manuals. These manuals provide techniques for a
huge variety of speeches, all geared to allow practice of a certain aspect
of public communication. The speeches are prepared in advance, timed, and
evaluated.
Orator
The Orator provides
a short break prior to the evaluations by reading aloud a passage from
literature, poetry or inspirational writing.
General Evaluator
The
General Evaluator introduces individual evaluators for
each prepared speech and asks for reports from the Timer
and Language Evaluator. Finally, the General Evaluator gives a
brief subjective evaluation of the entire meeting. The Timer
records the time used for the speeches, the Table Topics
presentations, and the evaluations.
Language Evaluator
The Language Evaluator
introduces the vocabulary word of the evening and keeps track of
ah's and uhm's as well as exceptionally good use of the English
language.
Evaluators
Evaluators evaluate
each of the speakers by writing comments in their manuals and by
delievering an oral evaluation (approximately 2-3 minutes long).
Guests
Guests are always
welcome! Guests may visit and ask to be considered for membership.
Membership in Toastmasters International entitles one to receive the
Toastmasters Magazine- an excellent monthly publication full of
articles and features on toastmastering and other communication skills.
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