A typical Hamwic Speakers meeting includes five key elements:
- Prepared speeches from one of the series of project manuals
- The refreshment interval for members and guests to socialise and network
- Table Topics – when members are called to give impromptu speeches – each of which receives feedback
- All prepared and impromptu speeches receive individual constructive feedback and the whole evening is assessed by a General Evaluator. Speeches and evaluations are allocated designated timings, monitored by the Timekeeper
- We recognise good performance by voting and giving an award for the best performance in the prepared speech, impromptu speech and evaluation categories.
Roles in the Toastmaster Meeting
As you will see from the sample agenda, the prepared speeches are only one aspect of the Toastmasters experience. Toastmasters is designed to help build communication and leadership skills. The various roles build different skills and thus build confidence in different areas of communication and leadership. The key roles and their responsibilities are…
The Toastmaster: The main duty of the Toastmaster is to act as a congenial host and conduct the entire program, including introducing participants. He or she also has responsibility for ensuring that all proceedings run smoothly and to time.
The Table Topics Master: The purpose of table topics is to have members “think on their feet” and speak for 2 minutes or so. The table topics master prepares and issues the topics; originality is desirable as much as possible.
The Grammarian: The purpose of the Grammarian is to provide a word for the evening, to count ‘ums/errs’ and other verbal crutches and note interesting use of the language.
The Timer: is the member responsible for keeping track of time. The timer will time all speakers including table topics and prepared speeches plus all evaluations. Speaking to time is a key skill of a Toastmasters member.
Evaluators: Everything in Toastmasters is evaluated. Evaluators will be assigned for the table topics session, the prepared speeches and for an overall evaluation of the evening.
