Glossary of Different Meeting roles
Toastmaster Return to Meeting Agenda
The primary role of a Toastmaster (or Master of Ceremonies) is to introduce the various speakers for the evening in such a way that it is made easier for the speakers to do his/her best by putting both the speaker and the audience at ease.
Timekeeper Return to Meeting Agenda
The timekeeper's role is extremely important as he/she keeps times for each segment throughout the meeting and also indicates to speakers and other presenters, by way of coloured lights, how much time has passed in their particular segment. For example a person giving a 5 to 7 minute speech will receive a green light at 5 minutes, an amber light at 6 minutes and a red light at 7 minutes. This makes the speaker aware of how much time remains in their speech. The timekeeper also keeps the Toastmaster up-to-date on whether the program is ahead or behind the scheduled times.
Wordmaster Return to Meeting Agenda
A word, along with it's meaning and use, is presented to the meeting and members are encouraged to use that word as many times as possible throughout the meeting. Quite a challenge.
Round Robin Return to Meeting Agenda
A great ice-breaker and warm-up to the start of the meeting. The presenter speaks for 15 seconds on a subject of their selection and then each person, in turn, talks for 15 seconds on the same subject but they must start their 15 second speech with the last word of the previous person.
Speeches Return to Meeting Agenda
Within the communication track of Toastmasters there are a number of levels (ie awards) that a member can strive towards and each level is attained by completing a set of 10 speech projects. The levels are CTM (Competent Toastmaster) and ATM (Advanced Toastmaster, containing 3 levels, namely, ATM-Bronze, ATM-Silver and ATM-Gold). Therefore to have achieved ATM-G you will have completed 40 speeches.
Table Topics Return to Meeting Agenda
A 90 second impromptu speech (mini speech) on a topic given to you by the Table Topics Master (segment presenter). You have to think on your feet. You have no time for preparation, however, make good use of the time it takes to rise from your seat to address the meeting. Use this time to think of how you will approach the topic. Whatever the topic try to answer it by using one of the following methods and add humour wherever possible. Remember any impromptu speech should follow all the rules of a prepared speech and have an introduction, a body and a conclusion.
- Method 1: If a comment is required think about using the "past, present, future" approach.
- Method 2: If you need to express an opinion think about using the "PREP" method. Make a Point. Give a Reason. Give an Example. Make a Point.
- Method 3: If you are asked to role-play or use your imagination consider using the "Who, What, How, When, Where" approach.
Revenge Topic Return to Meeting Agenda
The table topic evaluators ask the Table Topics Master to speak for 90 seconds on a topic. This is "revenge" for having asked other members to do the same.
Speech Evaluation Return to Meeting Agenda
What better way to know how your speech presented than by an evaluation from a fellow toastmaster. A fellow member will evaluate your speech and then present their evaluation to the meeting. This is an excellent way to help you to find out both your good points and also points for improvement in future speeches. Speech evaluations are always positive and very encouraging to the speaker but also informative and educational to all club members.
Business Session Return to Meeting Agenda
As with all types of clubs, a business session is required to ensure the effective running of the club. Toastmasters is no exception. Once a month (every second meeting) a business session is conducted. Executive members are given an opportunity to inform members of various aspects of the club's performance eg financial, membership and future happenings. It is also an excellent tool to educate members as to the protocol of conducting a business meeting, in particular points of order and how to deal with motions that are tabled.. Toastmasters' meetings are conducted in accordance with Renton's Meeting Guide.
Soapbox Return to Meeting Agenda
This segment is designed to give Toastmasters experience in presenting an opinion about which they feel strongly, as do speakers who stand on their soap box in the park and give opinions and thoughts to all who will listen.
Joke Master Return to Meeting Agenda
Time for a couple of "clean" jokes by one of the members. If you know any please let me know.
Parliamentarian Return to Meeting Agenda
A Toastmaster presents an evaluation of the business session (held once a month) and comments on how the Chairman conducted the meeting. Once again this evaluation is an opportunity for all members to learn more about the skills required in chairing a meeting, particularly when points of order are called or motions are tabled.
Grammarian, Ah Counter & Listening Critic Return to Meeting Agenda
Yes all through the meeting there has been someone listening to what we have all said or more to the point how we have said it. Used the wrong grammar, said too many "Umms and Ahs" or perhaps you didn't pay attention during a segment - then this is the segment where you will be found out. To make matters worse you will be fined a silver coin for your misdemeanor.
General Evaluation Return to Meeting Agenda
In this "final" segment a Toastmaster evaluates the whole meeting and in particular those presenters who have not already been evaluated by another member.