Tips for the Contest "Table Topic Toastmaster"

The Toastmaster runs the contest and does introductions of officals and contestants and conducts contestant interviews.

Prior to the evening of the contest:

Obtain introduction material from the Chief Judge so you can introduce him/her.

Immedately prior to the Contest:

Typcially 15 to 30 minutes before the start of the contest the Contest Chair will meet with the contestants for a briefing. At this time they draw the speaking order. It is good for the Toastmaster to be present to obtain the speaking order and proper spelling and pronounciation of names. It is a good time to remind contestants not to name tags or badges (can mislead judging). As well the Toastmaster should check with each contestant to see if there are any special needs such as chairs, lectern location, etc.

Obtain the question from the Chairman (wouldn't hurt to bring one along in case the Chairman forgets).

At the Contest:

The Chairman will introduce the Toastmaster. The Toastmaster will then:

1) Outline the contest purpose (refer to Speech Contest Rulebook for notes):

a) To provide an opportunity to learn by observing the more proficient speakers who have benefited from their Toastmaster training.

b) To encourage development of impromptu and/or extemporaneous speaking skills and to recognize the best as encouragement to all.

2) Introduce the Chief Judge to give the rules of the contest.

3) Note for the audience that all contestants, except the first one, are removed from the room so that they will not hear the question. The question is the same for all contestants. Once a contestant has competed they are allowed to stay in the room to hear the other competitors. Tell them you will say their name, ask the question, repeat the question and end by saying their name.

4) Now announce the speaking order for the judges. Speak each name clearly and slowly. Good idea to repeat the name twice. If the name might be hard for the judges to spell then clearly spell it out for them letter by letter.

Once speaking order has been determined ask the Sergeant At Arms to remove all of the contestants, except the first contestant, from the room. Let the audience know that it is OK to applaud when the contestant is called up to the stage but that they should hold their applause until the speaker is completed.

5) Welcome the first contestant up to the stage. Hopefully audience claps as the person come up. When they are next to you on the stage read the question, repeat the question and then end by saying their name. Move off to the side of the stage to await their completion.

6) When they have completed talking approach them and shake their hand. Call the timer to time 1 minute of silence for the judges to mark their ballots (talk to timer ahead of time as to how they will signal you that the minute is up, usually a nod of the head).

7) By this time the Sergeant at Arms should have the next contestant near the stage. Call out their name, await the applause and them to get to the stage, ask the question, repeat and end with their name.

8) Repeat until all contestants are done.

9) When the last contestant has spoken tell the audience that their will now be silence until the judging is completed. Ask the Judges, when complete, to hold their ballots up in the air for the Ballot Counter to see.

10) When the Ballots have been collected and Chief Judge and Ballot Counter leave you can breath a sigh of relief or something. Throw in a little atmosphere builder, stress reliever, etc.

11) Now its Contestant Interview time. You should have:

	- certificates of participation for each contestant - biographical sheets from which to ask questions

Bring the contestants up in the order they spoke. NOTE: IF they are competing in a later contest then do not ask them any biographical information. Just announce their name and give them the Certificate of Participation. You can mention to the audience that because they are in a later contest they will be interviewed later. Check the agenda for this issue (the Chair and Chief Judge will be watching for this as well).

As then what club they belong to and how long they have been a Toastmaster. Then pick 1 or 2 item from the biographical sheet to ask them about. Depending on how long their answer is ask more or less. Typcially you are just killing time till the Chief Judge and Ballot Counters come back. Watch for them.

12) Chief Judge and Ballot Counters are back, interviews are done - call for a 15 minute break to have snacks, final briefings - contest will resume in 15 minutes.

and above all - HAVE FUN!

Ways to avoid being, well you know

DO NOT:

- ask Judges to signal you when done after each contestant - it is supposed to be secret who the Judges are.

- interview a competitor who will be competing later.

- ask too many questions or drag the interview on needlessly unless the Chief Judge and Ballot Counters may take a long time.

- mis-read the question. Have it on paper and read it EXACTLY the same each time.

DO:

- read the question slowly and clearly.

- ask the contestants during the briefing session if they want a lectern, chair or any special preparation on the podium.

- tell the audience to hold applause until after the contestant has spoken.

- have a great contest!

Back to the Contest Resource Page

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