Table Topics

Table Topics are where a speaker speaks off the cuff. Doing this regularly really sharpens up the skill of impromptu speaking.

Taking on this role improves organisation skills, time management and facilitation skills.

The Topicsmaster delivers the Table Topics® portion of the meeting, which helps train members to quickly organise and express their thoughts in an impromptu setting. As Topicsmaster, you:

  • Select topics in advance of the meeting that allow speakers to offer opinions.
  • Give members who aren’t assigned a speaking role the opportunity to speak during the meeting by assigning impromptu talks on non-specialised themes or topics.
  • Don’t ask two people the same thing unless you specify that it is to generate opposing viewpoints.
  • Best practice is to start with an experienced member to demonstrate how to handle a table topic and the remaining topics should be given to members that do not have a speaking role at the meeting and to some willing guests to give them a taste of speaking at a meeting.
  • Asks members to vote for the best Table Topics speaker to receive the Best Table Topics speaker award.

For the members that are called upon to deliver a table topic:

Taking on this role improves confidence and impromptu speaking skills.

Your response should express your thoughts clearly and succinctly, lasting one to two minutes.