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TABLE TOPICS
The ability to "think and speak" quickly is an important skill that will help you be successful. That's why the "Table Topics" portion of the Toastmasters club meeting was developed. Table Topics provides you with the opportunity to practice thinking and speaking quickly. You learn how to present your thoughts in a clear, organized manner with a minimum of preparation.
The Table Topics portion of the club program is conducted by the Table Topics Master. The Table Topics Master announces a topic and calls on members, one at a time, who give impromptu one to two-minute talks on the topic. Or the Table Topics Master may assign subjects individually.
You'll frequently be called upon to speak during the Table Topics portion of your club's meeting. Following are tips to help you prepare for impromptu speaking:
Read.
You will be able to respond better if you'r knowledgeable about current events. Read major magazines and newspapers, and listen to newscasts.Organize your thoughts.
When you're given your topic, pause to decide what the main point of your response will be. For example, if you're asked to give your opinion about an issue, determine your viewpoint. Then support your viewpoint with two or three reasons.Structure your thoughts.
Like a prepared speech, an impromptu talk has an opening, body and conclusion.Remain calm.
Remember, your audience will think you are confident if you appear confident.Toastmasters International's Table Topics handbook, "Think Fast!" and the Better Speaker Series program "Impromptu Speaking" offer more suggestions on Table Topics.