Toastmasters Europe - Continental Europe :: Toastmasters Europe - Continental Europe :: Toastmaster
Author malw Date 01 Jul 11, 17:38 Views 55388
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Description What is involved in being a Toastmaster at a meeting?

Toastmaster 

The main duty of the Toastmaster is to act as the host and make introductions

Participants should be introduced in a way that enourages the audience to listen to them. The Toastmaster creates an atmosphere of interest, expectation, and receptivity.
Usually this task will not be assigned to you until you are familiar with the Club and its procedures.

Before the meeting

Check with the Vice President Education to find out if a special theme has been set for the meeting and if there are any programme changes.
Call the Table Topics Master to discuss his or her duties. Provide the Table Topics Master with a list of programme participants to ensure these people will not be called on for responses.
Call all Speakers in advance to remind them that they are speaking. Ask for 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.).

Here's a sample script which you can use by filling in the gaps:

{Approach lectern, face audience}
Thank you Mr/Madam Chair, Ladies and Gentlemen, It gives me great pleasure to introduce [speaker's name] who is giving speech [ speech # ] from the [ C&L/Advanced ] Manual - [ theme ] The title of [ speaker's name ] speech is [ "speech title" ]. The objectives of the speech are [ summarise objectives ].

Tonight/Today we are going to find out [ description of talk and reason, connection of topic to speaker, qualifications or experience, special interests, handouts, audience role, level of interest ].

The timing for this speech is [ # minutes ] minutes. Please welcome [ speaker's name ] - [ speech title ].

{Lead applause and sit down}

Call the General Evaluator to confirm the assignment.
Prepare introductions for each Speaker (see above). A proper introduction can add to the success of the Speaker's presentation.
Prepare remarks which can be used to bridge the gaps between programme segments. You may never use them, but you should be prepared to avoid possibly awkward periods of silence.
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.
In British clubs - sit near the front of the room for quick and easy access to the lectern.
In Irish clubs - you will normally be sitting at the top table.

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.
Study the Agenda carefully so that you do not miss any Timekeepers Reports or invitations to vote.
Always lead the applause before and after each presenter.
After your introduction of another presenter, remain standing near the lectern until you have shaken hands - signifying your hand over of control of the meeting - then be seated.
When another presenter has finished, shake hands again to signify that control of the meeting is returning to you.

Further information on the Toastmaster role:
http://www.toastmasters.org/Members/MemberExperience/MeetingRoles/Toastmaster.aspx

Further information on making good introductions:
http://toastmasters.wikia.com/wiki/Introduction