The purpose of Table Topics is to give our members an opportunity to speak without prior practice or notice. These impromptu speeches should be one to two minutes each, so have enough topics to fill about twenty minutes. Your time will vary, depending on the length of the previous segments. Coordinate the end time with today's Toastmaster.

As Table Topics Master, it is your job to select topics that will challenge the speakers, but not frighten them away. It is always a good practice to call on an experienced member as your first speaker. This will help the others understand how to proceed when it is their turn.

Another main purpose for Table Topics is to make sure all Toastmasters at the meeting have a chance to speak. Therefore, it is important to call on those who are not on the agenda for the day. If you have time left, it is OK to call on members who are already on the agenda. Speakers for the day are exempt. Do not call on guests, other than by prior arrangement.

Select your speakers from the membership list. Cross out the prepared speakers and mark those in attendance as available. Select the order you will call them up. Try to have your speaker list ready before Table Topics actually begins. This will keep you free from wasting time (and appearing unprofessional) looking for a speaker.

When presenting a topic and calling up a speaker, try not to divulge the name of the person until the very end. This makes everyone listen and have the feeling of possibly being called upon.

Watch your time. About ______ a.m./p.m. (unless otherwise directed), you will stop the session and call the Toastmaster of the Day back up to take control of the meeting.