Chairperson Tips

BY ROBERT “BOB” KIENZLE, DTM

Opening the meeting:

1. Start on time. People arriving late should not hold up the

meeting.

2. Call the meeting to order with a welcoming remark, but don’t steal the stage from the Toastmaster of the Day. Keep your part short and to the point. Allow time for the Toastmaster to give a creative introduction and announce the meeting theme.

3. Briefly explain Toastmasters International to guests, and al-

ways have someone read the mission statement.

4. Introduce the club to guests and explain what makes it unique.

5. Depending on time constraints, you may ask all guests or first-time attendees to introduce themselves. Give them a time limit and three questions to answer (i.e., “In 15 seconds or less, tell us your name, job and favourite musical band.”). Be creative.

6. Ask for pre-meeting announcements. For example, the V PE

may wish to distribute a signup sheet, but don’t bore guests

with too much business talk. Regular club business can come

at the end of the meeting or after a break.

7. Ask the Toastmaster if changes have been made to the agenda.

8. Introduce the Toastmaster role and then introduce the Toastmaster for that meeting.

via Toastmasters magazine November 2016