Table Topics Secrets Revealed

Butter N Toast came out with a simple and creative way of doing so.  Here’s how they do it. I quoted from their website:

Chris’ Table topics session was rather simple. Participants would simply complete a statement which began with our night’s theme “I Create Excellence…” and continues with a phrase that the participant would draw from a bag; phrases like “In the Work Place”, “At Home”, “Amongst my Peers”, etc. and ends with the participant’s speech.

Find out how they tackle the questions:

There are more than 50 ways to conduct a table topics sessions.  This is bonus report when you order the book “Table Topics Secrets Revealed!“

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It is not uncommon for a guest or visitor to win Table Topics session. It happen often at my local Toastmasters Club.

Here’s what a visitor said about her experience:

“I’ve discovered this about the world. We respect a bold move. People will honor and reward a bold move.

So, when they asked if a visitor would give an impromptu “table topics” speech – I stood up and rocked the house.

My question was . . . what dead person would I like to have dinner with?”

She won the first prize for her bold attempt.  The above is an example of a ‘What if’ type of question. This is also a popular question that appears often if you attend Toastmasters meeting often enough. I used to attend these meetings almost every night until my wife wants to…

When you volunteer for table topics session despite your fears, you are doing what few people do – facing their fear headon.  This courage serves me well cos later in my life, I had to make bold decision…like quitting my job without another job to fall back on.

So put up your hands. Volunteer to speak. Your boldness will encourage the weaker hearts.  You will find strength and renew energy when you face your fear headon. They will applaud you, honour you, not for what you say, but for your courage.

When I sat down after the speech,  I thought I could speak better sitting down than when I am standing. I learn to accept my imperfection and accept myself. I have come to term with who I am and learn to love myself.

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If you put all the table topics you have ever heard and sort them out, you can put them in different categories. One of the categories is “What if” kind of questions. These questions call upon your wild imagination. You need to wing it, make up a story, tella tall tale.

Here’s what LJ said about his experience:

“Table Topic Master, fellow Toastmasters and guests … If an alien has landed on Earth, what is one of the things you would share with that alien? Well, I’d explain to the alien he has come home and here’s what he needs to do …”

The first table topic I ever did, I had sweat pouring down my back! I was a polished speaker before joining Toastmasters, but I was *NOT* prepared for the first topic I was ever given. I only done prepared speeches for close to fifteen years, but Table Topics?

Try to speak about the topic, watch the timer lights and make eye contact to 20+ people in the room, all at the same time!..”

Even season speakers can get unnerved at table topic sessions. But it can be fun too.  I remember my first table topics session.  I was dumb struck throughout because my mind went blank.

I have written an ebook “Table Topics Secrets Revealed!” in which I reveal the different types of topics, give lots of examples of each type, and show you how to respond to them. If you find Table Topics unnerving,  this ebook will help you.

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At district levels, all the competitors are poised and polished.  Be familar with the judging criteria. Not only must you know WHAT to answer but HOW to deliver with impact.

Most topics are open to interpretation. Usually it is a quotation or a single word. In one of the district competition, the Table Topics question was a single word ‘Legacy’.

If you are a competitor at this level, you should have ready in your arsenal a range of stories based on generic themes or virtues like courage, change, overcoming problems, legacy, happiness.  Tell a story is a basic strategy.  Given any topics, you could often you a story to illustrate your point.

As part of your preparation,  get your toastmasters to grill you by throwing you topics after topics. Then a panel of evaluators will give you immediate feedback. Each evaluator will evaluate you based on one of the judging criteria. For e.g on your body language, another on vocal variety, another on substance or content, another on opening and ending.

To find out how you can prepare yourself well for any competition, get my book “Table Topics Secrets Revealed!”

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Your mind is like a supercomputer. You know more than you thought so. With a calm mind, you will be able to access your databank which is a rich repository of your past experiences and accumulated knowledge.

You can personalise your speech by illustrating it with your own story. If you don’t have enough personal stories of your own,  quote other people’s experience.   Connect it to some current events that you learn from the newspapers, books or TV. If you don’t, make up a story.

Connect with the audience based on common (shared) experience. They will identify with you and root for you.

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An impromptu speech is simply a mini-speech and therefore it has an Opening, a Body and a Conclusion.
An impromptu speech is actually a mini-speech. Whether it is a 1-minute speech or  1-hour speech, a speech has a basic structure – an opening, body and the conclusion

In the opening, you address the President, the Table Topics master and the audience. Then give the opening sentence.  If you can’t think of an opening sentence, simply repeat the topic. Then tell them what you think of it. Do you agree or disagree?

In the body, you cover the main points.  For example, you could give 3 points.

In conclusion, summarise it. Then acknowledge the Table Topics master.

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