A Melbourne Toastmasters Club - Beaumaris, Mentone & Surrounds

Table Topics is a regular section in all our meetings. It's the part of the evening when we get a chance to practise and improve our impromptu speaking skills. The Table Topics Master announces topics, then chooses speakers at random from the audience asking them to speak for 60 - 90 seconds on their topic. We normally have time for four or five table topics. Guests can pass if they choose.

Have you wondered why we have table topics or round robins in our meeting? Is it just a game to fill in time, have a bit of fun or embarrass you perhaps. No, no, no, there is a purpose and a specific plan around Table Topics.

Have you ever been asked for your opinion about something, only to have your mind go blank? Have you given your opinion, but it was so disorganised that the point you were trying to make was lost?

The ability to “think and speak on your feet” is an important skill that often determines your success in job interviews, for example. All kinds of careers and occupations require this skill.

That’s why the “Table Topics” portion of the Toastmasters club meeting was developed.

• Table Topics provides you with the opportunity to practice impromptu speaking.
• By answering brief Table Topics questions, you learn how to present your thoughts clearly and convincingly, with no more than a few seconds of preparation.
• You also learn to listen constructively, and to think flexibly.
• Table Topics practise is invaluable because it will teach you to focus on one subject and perhaps even more importantly, to trust yourself.”

How it works:

The Topicsmaster announces a topic or question and calls on members, one at a time, who give impromptu one- to-two-minute responses to that topic.

When you’re called to speak during Table Topics, keep your remarks brief and to the point. (This is often easier said than done, however!) Try to present sensible, worthwhile ideas that add to the knowledge of others and organize your thoughts into a mini-speech.

You’re encouraged to refute or elaborate on ideas and information already presented by other participants.

Here are some suggestions on how to talk without preparation on virtually any subject.

• Use an outline to structure your response; select the most appropriate one for each time you are asked a question:
• Give an opinion, and then justify it with two or three specific reasons. For example, talk about your favourite film and give some reasons you like it.
• State a problem and show its causes. For instance, you might explain how traffic became a problem in your city.
• Offer a viewpoint – yours or someone else’s – and elaborate on it. Did your city council ban smoking in government offices? What arguments were given by the ban’s supporters?
• State a goal or problem and then tell what must be done to achieve the goal or solve the problem. If you recently found a new job, tell about the steps you took to reach your goal.
• Describe a process, such as how to plant a tree.
• Break a problem, situation or object into its components and discuss them. For example, describe the branches of your country’s government.
• Avoid apologies or comments like, “I’m not good at this,” or, “Gee, I don’t have a clue.” Don’t say anything that lowers the audience’s expectations.
• Need time to think; try one of these suggestions;
• Begin by greeting the audience: Smile. This buys you time to think about the topic at hand ⁱ.
• Use an opening statement: Repeat the question or topic, “What do I think of the soccer World Cup?” Or include a comment like, “I never considered that question until now.” “I wonder what the Toastmaster could have meant by asking...” Be careful not to overdo this step, however.
• Stay informed. It’s impossible to be knowledgeable about every topic under the sun, but a little preparation goes a long way. Stay on top of current local, national and international news. Be familiar with current issues in the community, new trends, the latest movies, plays and books.
• Segue from the presented topic to one you can talk about. For example, “I don’t have an opinion on the World Cup in soccer, but let me tell you about my recent mountain climbing experience…” Be careful not to make this one a habit though, in real life you need to address the question.
• Use your imagination. During Table Topics, you develop the necessary skills to think on your feet. For this, a fertile imagination is vital. If you don’t know, make it up, follow the thought train that appears in your mind it will usually lead you somewhere and you only have to speak for 60-90 seconds. You could use your imagination to create a tall tale, contemplate the future or formulate an opinion on any topic.
• Structure your response: While you may not know the exact answer to the question, you probably have enough information, thoughts, feelings and opinions to develop a two-minute speech. Start with an opening where you introduce you idea; the body of your speech where you expand or support your premise and a conclusion where you summarise your thoughts all call for action. A Mini Speech in fact!
• Slow it down; don’t let your mouth get ahead of your thoughts or you will end up tongue tied. Take a deep breath and speak slowly and clearly.

By participating in Table Topics, you become more fluent. You learn to listen carefully and to create a mini-speech, with a beginning, middle and end. You also draw on your own experiences or knowledge on the topic in relation to the needs and interests of those present.

How it helps

People in a variety of public speaking situations have found Table Topics helpful; thinking and speaking eloquently off the cuff is a cherished goal.

Erika Ebbel, Miss Massachusetts, 2004, says, “Table Topics and two-minute responses gave me the ability to talk about anything and the capacity to quickly respond.” When she was asked questions onstage, she was prepared to answer intelligently. Others find it valuable, as well ⁱⁱ .

Bob Brousseau’s difficulties with stuttering were affecting his career. “I had been missing sales contracts, and I knew I needed help,” he says, “I thought that things like impromptu speaking would help in reaping the benefits.” Table Topics practice allowed Brousseau to overcome his difficulties in a safe environment.

Personally it has helped me in business meetings; especially in front of the customer. Many times I have been put on the spot by a customer asking me a question I was not prepared for. I have learnt to not be fazed by the situation; take a moment to think about my response then draw on my table topics experience to answer in a structured and confident way. People have confidence in you when you have confidence in yourself!

Table Topics allows its participants to grow while enjoying the camaraderie and gentle humour of fellow members. Everyone’s in the same boat. They want to think faster, and speak better. Table Topics may begin to feel like a game, but it’s one in which the prize you take away is truly fabulous —a new set of skills to get you through your day!

Have fun! Relax! What’s the worst thing that will happen if your Table Topic doesn’t win an award? Remember, the audience is in the same boat as you!