A Sample Meeting AgendaA Guide to Club Meetings for Visitors and Members
WELCOME TO EPPING TOASTMASTERS
This guide is to help you understand the structure and activities of Club Meetings. Meeting structure varies a little from one Club to another, however in general the following occurs at many clubs.
We follow a prepared agenda. We generally split the evening with a short tea or coffee break before the prepared speeches.
The evening starts with the Sergeant-At-Arms welcoming members and guests and announcing the start of the meeting, introducing the Toastmaster for the evening, or the Club President, depending on how the club decides to conduct its meetings.
If the President takes control, then he/she runs the business part of the meeting and hands over to the Toastmaster to run the “fun” part of the evening.
The Toastmaster takes control and introduces the various meeting segments, introduces the participants and gives a brief outline of the tasks.
A typical meeting agenda comprises:
A member presents the word of the day, giving the meaning and variations. All are encouraged to use this word when speaking during the meeting.
WARM UP / ROUND ROBIN
Aim is to introduce yourself and start the vocal chords working. The warm-up leader introduces the topic and each person in turn, gives a mini speech on that subject for about 15 seconds. All guests are welcome to participate, but may decline.
TABLE TOPICS
Aim is to practice impromptu speaking. The Table Topics Master prepares and presents questions or topics requiring responses from a chosen member. Timing is 60 to 90 seconds each. Topics may be general interest, themed, or other formats. All guests are welcome to participate, but may decline.
TABLE TOPICS EVALUATION
Feedback comprising praise and improvement suggestions is given. Each speaker and the Table Topics Master are evaluated.
PREPARED SPEECHES
Speakers present a prepared speech according to the requirements of a Toastmasters Manual. Usually 5 to 7 minutes although advanced speeches may be longer.
SPEECH EVALUATIONS
Each Speech is evaluated by another member who commends the strong points and recommends improvements according to Toastmasters guidelines and the manual project. Evaluations usually last 2 to 3 minutes.
EDUCATIONAL AND EVALUATIONS
As often as possible, educational speeches are given on points of good public speaking. These speeches are also evaluated.
AH COUNTER / GRUNT METER MASTER
Presents a summary of ums, ahs or other unintelligible expressions that each speaker uses throughout the meeting.
HARKMASTER
Tests our listening skills by asking questions concerning what has happened or had been said during the meeting.
GRAMMARIAN
Records and reports on the use of particularly appropriate words or phrases during the meeting. The report also include errors in grammar, pronunciation or word usage.
TIME KEEPER
Records and reports on the elapsed time of the various segments and speakers. Operates the timing lights as required for speakers.
GENERAL EVALUATION
The entire meeting is evaluated. In particular feedback is given to evaluators and toastmaster. Recommendations and comments on strengths and weaknesses of the meeting are given.
Brochures are made available to members with more details on the roles of the people conducting the various segments of the meeting. They are also learned through attendance at meetings, practice and the mentor scheme.