Toastmaster (or Toastmaster of the Evening)

The Toastmaster is arguably the most important role of the whole meeting – you’re responsible for introducing everyone, keeping the meeting to time, explaining what’s going on, and keeping the energy up! A very rewarding role, it’s a lot of fun to contribute so much to the entire meeting.

Speaking time

Various speaking opportunities throughout whole meeting.

Before the Meeting

Take a look at the agenda beforehand and begin thinking about a theme you might like to reference throughout the meeting. Talk to the Vice President Education before the meeting in case there are any last-minute changes to the agenda. Keep a note of speakers/role-holders as they arrive. Ask speakers for introductions (name, speech title, speaking project, any background) to help you bring them up to the front.

At the Meeting

• You’ll be introduced by the President/Acting President – from then until the end of the meeting when you pass back control of the room, you are in control!
• Try sitting at the front of the room – you’ll be getting up to the front a lot;
• For each role-holder you’ll want to give a strong introduction – try ending on the person’s name and initiate applause “…now for our warm-up master, Alex Adams!”,
• Shake everyone’s hand to signal control of the room;
• Throughout there are a few opportunities to explain meeting conventions:
  • Why do we shake hands?
  • Why do we applaud so frequently?
  • What do we use the evaluation slips for?
  • When do we vote for best speaker/evaluator/Table Topics?
  • What is the history of Toastmasters?
• Don’t worry if you trip over an introduction or a transition – the best thing about the Toastmaster role is you get to come back up throughout the meeting and try again!
• Be prepared to step in always – an evaluator might forget they were evaluating, a speaker might sit down after a few seconds or a guest might come in late. Remember, you are in control of the meeting.
• Preparing jokes, facts or other material throughout can help engage the audience and fill time between speeches.
• Don’t be afraid of mixing the format up or adjusting your approach as the meeting goes if you feel like it.
• Always remain at the front until another role-holder/speaker has taken control of the room.
• Don’t leave the front of the room empty!
• Most importantly, enjoy – this is the most demanding role, but also the most fulfilling. Enjoy your time at the front, and keep everyone’s energy up throughout!