TOASTMASTER

The main duty of the Toastmaster is to act as a genial host and conduct the entire program, including introducing participants. If the Toastmaster does not perform the duties well, an entire meeting can end in failure. For obvious reasons this task is not usually assigned to a member until he or she is familiar with the club and its procedures. Program participants should be introduced in a way that excites the audience and motivates each member to listen. The Toastmaster creates an atmosphere of interest, expectation and receptivity.

Prior to the meeting — Call or email all program participants to discuss his or her duties. It is helpful for remind them to review their role on this web site.

Call all speakers in advance to remind them that they are speaking. Interview them to find out their speech title, manual project number, purpose to be achieved, time requested and something interesting which you can use when introducing them (job, family, hobbies, education, why this topic for this audience, etc.).

Prepare introductions for each speaker. A proper introduction is important to the success of the speaker’s presentation. (See page 73 in the Competent Communication manual for ideas on preparing an introduction.)

Call all of the evaluators to brief them on their job and to tell them whom they’re evaluating.. Suggest each evaluator call his or her speaker to talk over any special evaluation requirements suggested in the manual for the speech

Prepare remarks which can be used to bridge the gaps between program segments. You may never use them, but you should be prepared to avoid possibly awkward periods of silence. You may have a theme assigned, or you may choose one of your own, although this is not necessary. If there is a theme, suggest that the Table Topics Master and Word Master use the theme if possible.

Remember that performing as Toastmaster is one of the most valuable experiences in your club work. The assignment requires careful preparation in order to have a smoothly run meeting.

At the meeting — Arrive early in order to finish any last-minute details.
Check with the speakers for any last-minute changes.
Sit near the front of the room and have your speakers do likewise for quick and easy access to the lectern.

During the meeting — Preside with sincerity, energy and decisiveness. Take your audience on a pleasant journey and make them feel that all is going well. Make adjustments if needed during the meeting.

Always lead the applause before and after the Table Topics session, each prepared speaker, and the General Evaluator. Remain standing near the lectern after your introduction until the speaker has acknowledged you and assumed control of the meeting; then be seated.

If the Table Topics Master forgets to call for the timer’s report and vote for “Best Table Topics Speaker:’ you do it.

At the conclusion of each segment of the speaking program, request the timer’s report and a vote for Best Speaker, Best Table Topics and Best Evaluator.

Briefly reintroduce the General Evaluator.

Announce the winners of each section. Reintroduce the President to conclude the meeting.