Tips for when you are Table Topics Master

Here are some tips for when you are the Table Topics Master.

Assume the attendees haven’t heard of Table Topics before. 

Layout purpose: to learn how to do impromptu speaking, to think on your feet, to learn how to organize your thoughts quickly, to hone your focus, to build techniques to communicate your ideas effectively.

Timing: remind them that they should speak for 1 to two minutes.

Pick topics that are relevant to the audience and that are highly likely that they will have some stories for. 

Don’t pick these types of topics: 

Technical or obscure topics: Examples: fusion power technology. Quantum mechanics, water desalination, etc.

Celebrity or current pop culture topics. A lot of people don’t follow that type of news. 

Breaking news of the day. Folks don’t have time to keep up with that and it will make them feel bad.

Announce the question for the whole club to hear and think about. Ask for volunteers. Then pick someone.

Don’t ask guests first. Let them see an example from an experienced member first.

Summarize an answer to show you heard. Point out something they did.

Keep an eye on the clock. Check the schedule to see when you need to wrap up.

Keep track of who said what.

If you have time, you can quickly summarize what you heard. This is an excellent practice for listening.