The purpose of having table topics is to help members to "think and speak on their feet." As the topic master you are responsible for creating the questions and call upon members to answer the questions. Preferably, ask the members who do not have a speaking role in the meeting.

This is considered a major role and it should not be given to anyone who has been a member less than 4 weeks.

Responsibilities - Prior to the Meeting:

• Contact the Toastmaster to find out the theme of the meeting
• Prepare questions based on the theme (or not!). Questions should be relevant and elicit opinion or imagination. Do not ask Yes/No questions. The goal is to have each respondent speak 1-2 minutes.
• Here is an interesting site for Topic Master ideas, or Topic Speaker responses.

Responsibilities - During the Meeting:

• After you are introduced, explain the role of the Topic Master. Encourage everyone to speak minimally 1 minute and maximally 2 minutes. Remind them that each answer to the question should be a mini speech with an Introduction, Body and Conclusion.
• State your topic theme. Keep this short.
• Select a member to answer a question and call them by name, then ask the question. This invokes the most spontaneity possible in speaking. You do have the option of stating the question and then calling on a respondent.
• Check in with the timer to make sure your segment of the meeting is within the time allotment.

Skills Used:

• Creativity and Imagination
• Fun/Enthusiasm
• Use props if you want to