The Chairperson will email you to confirm your assignment. Ask for the evening’s theme to incorporate it in your portion of the program.
Get Speaker Info:
Confirm assignments – speakers should have their own replacements, if necessary
Obtain necessary information – biographical data, manual project number, speech objectives, title, time limits.
Caution speakers to be aware of the time limits for their speech.
Get General Evaluator info:
Confirm his/her assignment
Give him/her information – confirmed speakers and their manual assignments
Obtain information for introduction of General Evaluator.
Plan opening comments, which will set the stage for speakers and enthuse the audience.
Plan introductions for speakers, evaluators and General Evaluator. Use your imagination to avoid hackneyed introductions.
In the case of speaker introductions, your introductory material can include biographical data and /or enumerate the qualifications of the speaker.
The introduction may hint at the subject matter to be presented, but the Toastmaster must never “give away” the essence of the speech.
During the Meeting – After the break
You will be introduced by the Sargent At Arms. Fellow Toastmasters please join me in welcoming Toastmaster ……………………………… [After the recess, the Toastmaster takes control]
During the Prepared Speeches Session SCRIPT
Thank you Mr./Madam Chairman for that flattering introduction. Fellow Toastmasters and guests, I would now like to welcome you to the Prepared Speeches portion of the meeting. This really is the heart of Toastmasters, where members deliver speeches on a subject that they have selected and researched.
My duty here tonight will be to act as your host for this part of the meeting, which consists of a), Prepared speeches b) Evaluations c) Grammarian’s Report and the Quiz Master’s Report.
During the prepared speeches session, our Toastmasters have the opportunity to put their speaking skills to work on a selected subject that they have thoroughly researched. Much time goes into the preparation and practice for these speeches.
During the General Evaluation, Toastmasters receive valuable constructive feedback regarding their speeches and their performance in the various tasks that have been assigned to them during the course of the meeting
Evaluation forms: To assist each speaker and to develop your own listening skills, special feedback forms have been provided to each of you here. These forms are to be used to provide written feedback to the speakers.
There is also a ballot for: a) the Best Speaker, and b) the Best Evaluator.
You are strongly encouraged to use these forms during the meetings.
For the benefit of the guests: [if guests are present and if time permits]
The Toastmasters program is based on curriculum projects called “pathways.” There are 11 specialised learning paths that give Toastmasters the opportunity to build more than 300 unique skillset competencies. Each pathway contains five levels.
These pathways guide the speakers through the basic steps of good public speaking and leadership training, each project building upon the skills learned in the previous speeches.
Tonight we will have the pleasure of listening to ………………. prepared speeches.
Our first speaker will be Evaluated by Toastmaster:____________. Could I ask the evaluator to outline the Speech Pathway, the number and the objectives of the speech. If the evaluator does not outline the time please confirm what the timing is so that the timekeeper has it.
Before I introduce our first speaker, I would like to explain timing procedures for our Timekeeper: This speech is …….. minutes long and I would like to have the Green Light at …. minutes, Yellow at …. minutes and Red at …. minutes.
[Explain the reasons for timing speakers and the fact that speakers who do not speak within the assigned time will not be eligible to the vote for “Best Speaker”.]
Our first speaker ….[give relevant information] ………………………………………………… Fellow Toastmasters, please help me welcome our first speaker [Announce “Speaker’s name”, “Speech title”, “Speech title”, “Speaker’s name” ]
[Lead applause upon completion of the speech and thank the speaker]
Thank you Toastmaster ………………………………………………
Please take a minute to give the speaker your written feedback on the special forms provided. [Repeat this process for the second and third speakers.]
REPEAT FOR ALL SPEAKERS
[After the last speech]
This concludes the Prepared Speeches portion for this evening. To summarize, we have heard the following speakers: Speaker Name – Title of Speech Speaker Name – Title of Speech Speaker Name – Title of Speech
Could the Timekeeper give the official time of the speeches?
[At your discretion, exclude from the vote any speakers with timing infractions] Using the appropriate ballot form in front of you, please take a moment to vote for the Best Speaker for the evening. For the benefits of those who are not familiar with the voting procedure, I would like to point out that the best speaker is the speaker who best achieved the required objectives of his/her speech project. Could the Sergeant At Arms please collect the ballots.
Evaluations
Now we have come to the Evaluation part of the evening, the evaluation of Prepared Speeches
Let me begin the evaluation of prepared speeches, which will be done by assigned evaluators. Before I introduce our first evaluator I would like to explain the timing procedures:
Madam/Mr. Timekeeper could you please give the Green light at 2 minutes, the Yellow at 2 minutes and 30 seconds, and the Red at 3 minutes. After the red light, the evaluators will have 30 seconds to wrap up.
[Explain the reasons for timing evaluators and the fact that evaluators who do not speak within the assigned time will not be eligible to the vote for “Best Evaluator”.]
Could the evaluator for speaker #1, Toastmaster …………………kindly give his/her evaluation of Toastmaster ……………………………
Could the evaluator for speaker #2, Toastmaster ……………………kindly give his/her evaluation of Toastmaster……………………………
Could the evaluator for speaker #3, Toastmaster ……………………kindly give his/her evaluation of Toastmaster……………………………
You have just heard three evaluations from:
Toastmaster ………………………………………………………………………………………
Toastmaster………………………………………………………………………………………
Toastmaster……………………………………………………………………………………….
Mr./Madam Timekeeper, may I have the timings for the evaluations? [At your discretion, exclude from the vote any evaluators with timing infractions]
Could you please take a minute to vote for the best evaluator.
Reports
Grammarian’s Report: Could I have the Grammarian’s Report? [Presentation of report]
Quizmasters Report: Could we now hear the Quizmaster’s Report? [Presentation of report]
General Evaluation
Our General Evaluator for this meeting is …………………………………….. Ladies and gentlemen, please join me in welcoming our General Evaluator for this evening’s program, Toastmaster ………………
The Glen Abbey Toastmasters Handook is designed to guide you in understanding the information you require to participate confidently in all Club meetings.
In order for you to excel at the meeting roles with confidence:
we have provided guided scripts for you to learn the roles.
however, it is important that you add your stamp, your personality, and your style to each role – rather than just memorizing the scripts below.
it is also important that you look at the timing of each role, and stay within the time allotted. this will keep the entire meeting on time.
Excel in your Toastmasters experience and realize that you are now a member of an outstanding, dedicated group of individuals that will support you in your communication and leadership goals. Our club is very committed to creating a fun and comfortable learning environment to help you grow in your speaking skills. Be proud that you are an integral part of the Glen Abbey Toastmasters Club.
The Chairperson is the most important function of the meeting. The Chairperson is like the conductor. Your job is to ensure all is in harmony and the meeting flows smoothly.
Two Weeks Prior To The Meeting
Develop your theme for the meeting
Discuss with the Toastmaster for the evening ideas to make the theme / meeting great.
One Week Prior To The Meeting
Send out the meeting theme / roster (based on the roster developed by the VP Education)
Ask Speakers to confirm with the Chair and the Toastmaster
Ask Evaluators to confirm with the Chair and General Evaluator
Ask everyone else to confirm with the Chair
Review your parliamentary procedures
Confirm all assignments preferably by Sunday (3 days before the meeting)
Prepare the agenda for the meeting by Wednesday
Timing
The meeting is two hours long. It is the responsibility of the Chair to keep the meeting on time.
During The Meeting
The Sargeant At Arms will introduce you.
[After being introduced by the Sargeant At Arms, the Chairperson comes to the lectern and takes the gavel from the Sargeant At Arms to indicate he/she is in control].
Opening
Thank you Toastmaster………………………………….
Good Evening fellow Toastmasters and Guests. Welcome to Glen Abbey Toastmasters weekly meeting. We have a great meeting in store for you. So sit back, relax and have fun.
Theme
The theme tonight is ……………………………explain theme………………………………………
Spend 2-3 minutes providing a great opening for the meeting, speaking about your theme and why it matters to the people attending this evening.
Introduction of Officers
I’d like to introduce our officers for the meeting tonight. As I call the names of the officers, please rise and remain standing. Would the rest of the audience kindly hold their applause until I have completed all the introductions.
The Toastmaster this evening is: …………
The General Evaluator is: …………
The Toast will be given by:
The Table Topics Master is: …………
The Secretary is: …………
The Sergeant-At-Arms is: ……………
The Parliamentarian is:…………………..
The Timekeeper is: …………
The Grammarian is: …………
The Quizmaster is: …………
And I am your Chair this evening……………………
Fellow Toastmasters and Guests, these are the officers for tonight’s meeting: [Lead applause]
Introduction of Guests
We have ……………………..guests this evening, and we’d like to introduce you to everyone now.
Toastmaster ……………………. would you like to introduce your guest?
Toastmaster ……………………. would you like to introduce your guest?
Toastmaster ……………………. would you like to introduce your guest?
Toastmaster ……………………. would you like to introduce your guest?
Toastmaster ……………………. would you like to introduce your guest?
[After each guest has been introduced lead applause, welcome them, and say…]
At the end of the meeting, you’ll be given the opportunity to say a few words about you impressions / experience about this meeting tonight. Enjoy
Toast
It’s now time for the Toast. Toastmastaster ………………………, would you kindly like to give the toast. [Toast] Thank you Toastmaster ………………………………………….[Lead applause]
Introduction of Grammarian
Toastmaster ………………………….., could you kindly stand up and explain your role as Grammarian this evening [ Grammarian Role ] Thank you Toastmaster ……………………………………… [lead applause]
Quizmaster
Toastmaster………………………………………………………………, could you kindly stand up and explain your role as Quizmaster this evening. [ Quizmaster Role ] Thank you Toastmaster…………………………………………………..[lead applause]
Table Topics
Now we come to the fun part of our evening – Table Topics. And to conduct that session, I would like to introduce our Table Topics Master this evening Toastmaster………………………….[lead applause]
Thank you Toastmaster ……………………………..for the wonderful Table Topics session. [lead applause]
Education Session
[If there is an educational session, introduce the person and their topic. At the end , thank them].
Business Session
I would now like to start the Business session [Bang gavel].
Option 1. If you are dispensing with the reading of the minutes, indicate this and confirm that they have been distributed to all members.
Option 2. Could the secretary please read the minutes of the last meeting.
Are there any errors or omissions in the minutes? [Listen to all comments and ask the secretary to make the necessary corrections] If there are no comments then I would like to declare the minutes approved as read (or corrected, as the case may be). [Bang the gavel].
Is there any business arising from the minutes? Is there any other unfinished business to discuss? [Address each one accordingly]
Do we have any Officers’ reports?
Do we have any Committee reports? [Standing and Special committees]
Do we have any Ambassador reports?
(Optional) During the Share your Greatness segment, I would like to invite one Toastmaster to share how Toastmasters has helped improve his/her life outside the Club.
New Business Session
Now we are going to start our New Business session. May I ask the Timekeeper to turn on the red light and ring the bell after ………. minutes (usually 10 minutes but it may vary depending on schedule).
Is there any item of new business to be tabled at this meeting? [This is where a new motion may be tabled. See parliamentary procedures on motion rules and regulations on the following pages. Also have your Robert’s Rules book handy and do call upon your parliamentarian when in doubt. Ensure that all items/motions brought up for discussion is properly disposed of. Usually this session ends when the Timekeepers gives the red light. Otherwise, you may want to say:].
Having no further items of business, if there are no objections, I will now declare the business session closed. [Bang gavel]
Parliamentarian Report
Could the Parliamentarian please give his/her report. [At the end of the report, thank the parliamentarian and lead applause]
Recess
Now I would like to Recess for …… minutes. May I ask the Timekeeper to turn of the red light and ring the bell with the time is up?
[At the end of the recess, the SAA will bang the gavel to let everyone know that recess is over. The SAA will introduce the Toastmaster.]
Prepared Speeches
[At the end of the Prepared Speeches session, after the General Evaluator has given the awards.]
Thank you Toastmaster ……………………………. for enlightening us with a wonderful Prepared Speeches Session. [lead applause]
Great Toastmaster of the Evening
I would like to reward a person who has helped making this meeting great by …………… ……………………………………………………………….. [Call this person to the lectern and give him/her a ribbon.]
Guests’ Comments
[At this point, invite guests to give their comments.]
Since participation is the key to self-improvement at Toastmasters meeting, I would like to ask our guests for their comments on tonight’s meeting. [Make sure you have the guests’ names and thank each one warmly.]
Final Comments
Is there any other business to be discussed for the good of Toastmasters?
If there is no other business, I declare this meeting adjourned. The time is now ………….
Planning ahead is the key to a successful Toastmaster meeting.
The SAA is in charge of making sure the room setup is correct, and starting both halves of the meeting.
While all the activities below are the responsibility of the SAA, all members of the club chip in to help complete these activities.
Pre-Meeting Activities
Set up Lectern, timing light and any special equipment requested.
Lay out education materials, name cards, brochures, etc.
Distribute agendas and any other handouts provided.
Hang up Club banner.
Lay out trophies on table in front of lectern and gavel on top of lectern.
When Members and Guests Arrive
Greet all meeting attendees and make them feel welcome
Provide temporary name cards for the guests
Ensure members pick up their name tags
Assign a member host to each non-Toastmaster guest for the duration of the meeting.
To Start The Meeting – First Half
Ensure the meeting starts on time. If there is a delay in the meeting start – announce it to club members from the lecturn
Bang the gavel and welcome all members and guests to the Glen Abbey Toastmasters Club #8644 meeting
Introduce the Chairperson. It is helpful to know something about the Chairperson so you can make a proper introduction – eg – time with club, roles held, other pertinent and interesting information
Ensure any late arrivals are taken care of easily and quickly without disturbing the rest of the meeting
During the Meeting
Collect ballots for Table Topics, Speakers, and Evaluators as they come around the room and tally votes.
Complete awards certificates, and provide to Chairperson
Second Half of Meeting
Call the meeting to order on time
Introduce the Toastmaster in this manner:
Now, to start our Prepared Speeches portion, I would like to present to you a very fine Toastmaster who will be hosting this part of the meeting. This person …………………………………………………………………………………
Ladies & gentlemen, please help me welcome our toastmaster for this evening, Toastmaster ………………… [Lead applause, pass the gavel to the Toastmaster and take a seat.]
After The Meeting
Help clean up the meeting room with the help of other members. Keep any reusable materials such as extra ballot forms, handouts, educational material, etc.
Pack all items neatly in the boxes in the same manner they were packed at the start of the meeting. Check if anything requires a refill for the next meeting.
Ensure all materials are complete and packed away properly.
Make a final quick tour of the premises to ensure nothing is left behind, and that the room is clean and neat. You or your delegate should be last person out of the room.
The Toast should be given to a single person, or sometimes a group.
In giving praise to someone, it should be mentioned why the praise is being given. In other words, a build-up of the person being honored is necessary.
The name of the person should always be given last, keeping the audience in suspense until the very last moment.
If possible, toast a person who has recently done something exceptional and focus on their achievements.
To give the toast:
Stand and give background information on the person [for instance, the Queen].
Then take your glass in your hand and say: “Will you please stand … [Wait until everyone is standing] and join me in a toast … to the Queen”.
The phrase “to the Queen” is repeated by everyone, and everyone drinks.
After the toast, say: “Please be seated”, and sit down.
Check the theme for the meeting on the meeting roster page.
Prepare 8 table topics around the theme. Depending on timing and length of speeches that day – all 8 may not be used. Usually we have 5-7 table topics.
Timing
The Table Topics portion of the meeting is usually 10 minutes in length.
During the Meeting
After being introduced by the Chairperson, you are in control
Go to the lecturn, and use the script below as a guideline.
Remember, put your style and personality into the script
Script
Thank you Mr./Madam Chairperson for this kind introduction.
Now we come to the impromptu speaking portion of the evening, Table Topics.
For the benefit of our guests [if guests are present], the objective of Table Topics is to acquire the ability to speak well when called upon and do so with only little prior preparation.
Speaking “off the cuff” is something we are often asked to do at work or in social situations. Learning to “think on your feet” is important during interviews, discussions, debates and seminars.
The benefits of impromptu speaking are many and 3 of the most important are:
You learn to remain cool under pressure,
You gain self-confidence, and
You learn to develop readiness of the wits.
The timing for each speech is 1 minute. Mr./Madame Timekeeper, please note the times:
Green at 0:30 seconds
Amber at 0:45 seconds, and
Red at 1:00 minute
After the red light, speakers will have up to 30 seconds to wrap up.
Anyone that goes over 1:30 seconds will not be eligible for the vote for Best Table Topic.
First Table Topic goes to <choose a person>. (It’s a good idea to mix experienced members with guests)
State question
Let the speaker speak
Thank the speaker by name
[Repeat this process for each speaker.]
You have just heard …#… speakers expressing their feelings about a variety of subjects.
<First Speaker Name> spoke about …….
<Second Speaker Name> spoke about ………
up to the final speaker
Mr./Madame Timekeeper could I have the time duration of all speakers please? [At your discretion, exclude from the vote any speakers with timing infractions]
Please use the ballot in front of you to vote for the Best Table Topics speaker.
Wrap-up
That concludes my function as your Table Topics Master and thank you for your active participation.
I will now return the control to our Chairperson of the evening <Toastmaster Name>
When introduced by the Toastmaster, please state the following:
Greetings Mr./Madam Toastmaster, fellow Toastmasters, and guests. As Timer, I will time the table topics speakers, formal speeches, and the evaluations. I will also alert each speaker of the time they have left, using the green, yellow, and red cards, which denote specific times remaining. Thank you Mr./Madam Toastmaster.
Table Topics Speakers should limit their remarks to no more than 2 minutes. • At 30 seconds, I will raise the green card. • At 45 seconds, I will raise the yellow card. • At 1 minute, I will raise the red card.
Ice Breaker speeches should be 4-6 minutes in length. • At 4 minutes, I will raise the green card. • At 5 minutes, I will raise the yellow card. • At 6 minutes, I will raise the red card.
Most other speeches will be 5-7 minutes in length. People giving speeches outside of these times will advise their evaluator, and the evaluator will advise the timekeeper. • At 5 minutes, I will raise the green card. • At 6 minutes, I will raise the yellow card. • At 7 minutes, I will raise the red card.
The individual evaluations should be between 2-3 minutes. • At 2 minutes, I will raise the green card. • At 2 minutes and 30 seconds, I will raise the yellow card. • At 3 minutes, I will raise the red card.
to take notes of the information of the current meeting.
The secretary goes to the Minutes of the Meetings binder and takes the minutes from the previous week. As well, s/he takes a new minute’s template to be filled during this current meeting.
At the start of the meeting, when the secretary is asked to read the minutes of the past meeting, s/he will read the section clearly marked to be read.
During the meeting, as it proceeds, s/he will fill in the information requested.
At the end of the meeting, s/he will put back the previous meeting’s minutes, as well as the current meeting’s minutes in the Minutes of the Meetings binder.
This will then be available for the next week’s secretary. The Minutes of the Meeting binder is kept on premises.
The Chairperson will email you to confirm your assignment. Ask for the evening’s theme to incorporate it in your portion of the program.
Get Speaker Info:
Confirm assignments – speakers should have their own replacements, if necessary
Obtain necessary information – biographical data, manual project number, speech objectives, title, time limits.
Caution speakers to be aware of the time limits for their speech.
Get General Evaluator info:
Confirm his/her assignment
Give him/her information – confirmed speakers and their manual assignments
Obtain information for introduction of General Evaluator.
Plan opening comments, which will set the stage for speakers and enthuse the audience.
Plan introductions for speakers, evaluators and General Evaluator. Use your imagination to avoid hackneyed introductions.
In the case of speaker introductions, your introductory material can include biographical data and /or enumerate the qualifications of the speaker.
The introduction may hint at the subject matter to be presented, but the Toastmaster must never “give away” the essence of the speech.
During the Meeting – After the break
You will be introduced by the Sargent At Arms. Fellow Toastmasters please join me in welcoming Toastmaster ……………………………… [After the recess, the Toastmaster takes control]
During the Prepared Speeches Session SCRIPT
Thank you Mr./Madam Chairman for that flattering introduction. Fellow Toastmasters and guests, I would now like to welcome you to the Prepared Speeches portion of the meeting. This really is the heart of Toastmasters, where members deliver speeches on a subject that they have selected and researched.
My duty here tonight will be to act as your host for this part of the meeting, which consists of a), Prepared speeches b) Evaluations c) Grammarian’s Report and the Quiz Master’s Report.
During the prepared speeches session, our Toastmasters have the opportunity to put their speaking skills to work on a selected subject that they have thoroughly researched. Much time goes into the preparation and practice for these speeches.
During the General Evaluation, Toastmasters receive valuable constructive feedback regarding their speeches and their performance in the various tasks that have been assigned to them during the course of the meeting
Evaluation forms: To assist each speaker and to develop your own listening skills, special feedback forms have been provided to each of you here. These forms are to be used to provide written feedback to the speakers.
There is also a ballot for: a) the Best Speaker, and b) the Best Evaluator.
You are strongly encouraged to use these forms during the meetings.
For the benefit of the guests: [if guests are present and if time permits]
The Toastmasters program is based on curriculum projects called “pathways.” There are 11 specialised learning paths that give Toastmasters the opportunity to build more than 300 unique skillset competencies. Each pathway contains five levels.
These pathways guide the speakers through the basic steps of good public speaking and leadership training, each project building upon the skills learned in the previous speeches.
Tonight we will have the pleasure of listening to ………………. prepared speeches.
Our first speaker will be Evaluated by Toastmaster:____________. Could I ask the evaluator to outline the Speech Manual, the number and the objectives of the speech. If the evaluator does not outline the time please confirm what the timing is so that the timekeeper has it.
Before I introduce our first speaker, I would like to explain timing procedures for our Timekeeper: This speech is …….. minutes long and I would like to have the Green Light at …. minutes, Yellow at …. minutes and Red at …. minutes.
[Explain the reasons for timing speakers and the fact that speakers who do not speak within the assigned time will not be eligible to the vote for “Best Speaker”.]
Our first speaker ….[give relevant information] ………………………………………………… Fellow Toastmasters, please help me welcome our first speaker [Announce “Speaker’s name”, “Speech title”, “Speech title”, “Speaker’s name” ]
[Lead applause upon completion of the speech and thank the speaker]
Thank you Toastmaster ………………………………………………
Please take a minute to give the speaker your written feedback on the special forms provided. [Repeat this process for the second and third speakers.]
REPEAT FOR ALL SPEAKERS
[After the last speech]
This concludes the Prepared Speeches portion for this evening. To summarize, we have heard the following speakers: Speaker Name – Title of Speech Speaker Name – Title of Speech Speaker Name – Title of Speech
Could the Timekeeper give the official time of the speeches?
[At your discretion, exclude from the vote any speakers with timing infractions] Using the appropriate ballot form in front of you, please take a moment to vote for the Best Speaker for the evening. For the benefits of those who are not familiar with the voting procedure, I would like to point out that the best speaker is the speaker who best achieved the required objectives of his/her speech project. Could the Sergeant At Arms please collect the ballots.
Evaluations
Now we have come to the Evaluation part of the evening, the evaluation of Prepared Speeches
Let me begin the evaluation of prepared speeches, which will be done by assigned evaluators. Before I introduce our first evaluator I would like to explain the timing procedures:
Madam/Mr. Timekeeper could you please give the Green light at 2 minutes, the Yellow at 2 minutes and 30 seconds, and the Red at 3 minutes. After the red light, the evaluators will have 30 seconds to wrap up.
[Explain the reasons for timing evaluators and the fact that evaluators who do not speak within the assigned time will not be eligible to the vote for “Best Evaluator”.]
Could the evaluator for speaker #1, Toastmaster …………………kindly give his/her evaluation of Toastmaster ……………………………
Could the evaluator for speaker #2, Toastmaster ……………………kindly give his/her evaluation of Toastmaster……………………………
Could the evaluator for speaker #3, Toastmaster ……………………kindly give his/her evaluation of Toastmaster……………………………
You have just heard three evaluations from:
Toastmaster ………………………………………………………………………………………
Toastmaster………………………………………………………………………………………
Toastmaster……………………………………………………………………………………….
Mr./Madam Timekeeper, may I have the timings for the evaluations? [At your discretion, exclude from the vote any evaluators with timing infractions]
Could you please take a minute to vote for the best evaluator.
Reports
Grammarian’s Report: Could I have the Grammarian’s Report? [Presentation of report]
Quizmasters Report: Could we now hear the Quizmaster’s Report? [Presentation of report]
General Evaluation
Our General Evaluator for this meeting is …………………………………….. Ladies and gentlemen, please join me in welcoming our General Evaluator for this evening’s program, Toastmaster ………………
The Parliamentarian observes the Business Session to keep track of parliamentary procedures in action. The Parliamentarian is usually an experienced Toastmaster who understands Robert’s Rules of order.
The Parliamentarian assists the Chairperson during the business session, upon the Chairperson’s request. He or she can advise on the order of business, how to proceed next, how to handle ambiguous motions, etc., at the Chair’s discretion.
The Parliamentarian gives a brief report at the end of the business session. He or she comments on how well and how fairly the Chairperson carried out the majority’s wishes regarding the business of the day. He or she also offers suggestions for improvement.
Being a Grammarian is truly an exercise in expanding your listening skills. There are three responsibilities.
Introduce a new word to members
Count the hesitations and filler words
Comment on the interesting language used in the meeting
It is a good idea to bring a dictionary.
Prior to the Meeting
Call your Chairperson to find the theme for the evening
Select a word of the day and tie it to the theme if possible. Choose a word that can be used in the context of a Toastmasters meeting. Make sure the word is not too common, in order to expand your fellow Toastmasters’ vocabulary.
Write or type the word on a sheet of paper, in letters large enough to be seen from the back of the room.
During Grammarian Introduction
When introduced, explain the role of the Grammarian.
Introduce a new word to members
State the word
Explain whether it is a noun, a verb, and adjective etc.
State the different meanings
Show how it can be used in a sentence.
Tell people how many times you would like them to strive to use it
Count the hesitations and filler words used by Toastmasters – ums, ahs, you knows, etc
Comment on the creative, imaginitive, and picteresque use of the English language, as well as the misuse of the English language.
Then place the word of the day along with it’s definition and usage into the chat box.
During Evaluation
When called by the General Evaluator, stand by your chair and give your report:
State how many times the word was used and by whom
State how many hesitations and filler words were used
Speak to the creative use of language that you heard. Try to offer the correct usage in every instance in which there was a misuse, instead of only explaining what was wrong.
In this role, it is not necessary to name Toastmasters who make errors. Give special attention to those who used language in great ways!
The Chair will email the roster to everyone, and ask for confirmation of attendance. Evaluators will be asked to confirm their attendance to you. Follow up with them if they do not respond prior to the meeting. Evaluators should have their own replacements, if necessary.
Understanding The Role – Overview
The preparation to evaluate the meeting officers is done throughout the meeting, while the evaluation of evaluators is done only once the evaluators have done their job, towards the end of the meeting.
Even though the preparation starts with the officers (form 1) and ends with the evaluators (form 2), when presenting the report, evaluate the evaluators first, and the officers second.
Evaluating the evaluators should take 3 minutes, and evaluating the officers should take 2 minutes.
Understanding The Role – Evaluating The Meeting Officers
Throughout the meeting, after each officer has spoken, jot down very brief notes on Form 1.
If the officer has done a “proper job,” without anything outstanding, don’t write anything.
Just before presenting your report, look at your notes, and see which ones are “important to mention,” either because the job was very well done, or because the officer missed some important point (examples: a Grammarian’s word that was used many time, a toast that was too long or unclear about the name of the person we were toasting, a Table Topics Master who didn’t give clear instructions, a quizmaster who added a special twist to the questions, a Parliamentarian who did a very thorough job, etc.)
Put a check mark beside the names of the people who have done a “proper job.” During the report, announce that some people have done well and just mention their names. They need to hear they have performed adequately, even without details. The check mark will make it easy to find the names quickly.
Then, give a more detailed account on the 3 to 5 roles and officers that you have identified as “important to mention.”
If you have to emphasize something that was not done well, turn it into a lesson for the future, when other Toastmasters will have to do this role.
This part of the report (done last) should take no more than 2 minutes.
Form 1 – Evaluating the Meeting Officers
Role
Member Name
Notes
Chairperson
Sergeant At Arms
Greeter
Timekeeper
Toast
Grammarian
Quizmaster
Table Topics Master
Educational/Point of View
Parliamentarian
Toastmaster
Other
Understanding The Role – Evaluating the Evaluators
In order to save time, fill your form during the evaluation, while the evaluator is speaking, even if you have to add more notes at the end.
Don’t write sentences, just bullet points.
Put yourself in the shoes of the speaker who was evaluated. How would you feel? Would you know how to perform better the next time? Was the evaluator unclear at times? Would you have liked more suggestions?
It is important to have a few notes in the first column (what was good in the evaluation). If you don’t know what would make it better, don’t write anything and don’t mention this part. Always finish your evaluation of each evaluator with something positive.
Form 2 – Evaluating the Evaluators
Evaluator’s Name
What was good in the evaluation
What would make it better
Something positive about the evaluation
Script – General Evaluator Report
Thank you Toastmaster ……………….. for that nice introduction, and welcome to the last part of the Prepared Speeches Session, the Evaluation.
The function of a General Evaluator is to provide feedback to the meeting’s participants. It is like holding up a mirror to reflect your performance back you. Feedback is an essential element of the learning process and is meant to encourage the drive to excellence and self-improvement.
My report is in 2 parts:
Evaluating the evaluators
Evaluating the meeting officers
Timekeeper, may I have the green at 4 minutes, amber at 5 minutes, and red at 6 minutes.
Give the report following the instructions and using the forms above
At the end of your report, highlight something positive or funny about one aspect – just one – such as the club, the members, the progress of some members, the theme of the evening, the way you feel, etc. You are one of the last people to speak. It is essential to leave the audience with a good feeling about the meeting.
Awards
It is now your role to hand out the awards for Best Table topic, Best Evaluator and Best Speaker. Lead the applause and encourage the crowd to cheer the winners!
