As ah master, you are challenged to pay close attention to any and all filler words used throughout the meeting. It is easy to get caught up in the content of what is being said and miss the ahs, ums, sos, repeated words, etc. There is an ‘ah master form’ on our website that you can print and use too. Your report should only be 1-2 minutes.
As grammarian / word of the day, bring a word of the day printed out in large enough font size that people across the room can read it clearly. A definition and usage example is appropriate to have printed too. If you know the theme of the meeting it is good to match the word of the day with the theme. You will be asked to present the word, definition, and example of usage at the beginning of the meeting. Keep track of who uses the word, especially during table topics since they must use the word to qualify to be voted on. Consider choosing a word of the day that you believe people will actually use outside of Toastmasters. Like the ah master, it is easy to get caught up in the content of what is being said and miss any grammatical errors. Pay close attention and write down your observations. There is a grammarian cheat sheet in the box at the library if you want help. I like to focus on the positive grammar with a small emphasis on corrections. Your oral report will be 1-2 minutes. Please show up early to tape your word of the day to the lectern before the meeting starts. A second copy facing the lectern is helpful to post as well so that people up front can utilize the word of the day.
As timer, please show up early and discover the length and special timing considerations needed by each speaker. Typical times for speeches, table topics, and evaluations are posted on the timing light. Make sure the timer and stop watches are working correctly and position yourself directly in front of the lectern. Pay close attention to the time, not allowing yourself to get caught up in the content and miss the critical timing signals for the speakers. You will be called on after the speakers to give a report, after the table topics to give a report, and after the evaluations to give a report. Give your timing reports brief and to the point.
For our visually impaired member, David, we ask that you knock loudly on the table once for green, twice for yellow, and three times for a red light.
As vote counter, votes for the best speaker, table topics, and evaluator will be passed to you throughout the meeting. Keep a running tally and be ready to give the results at the conclusion of the evaluation phase of the meeting. Avoid giving any ‘close call’ or ‘land slide’ comments so no one is potentially offended.
As the greeter, you will greet each member and guest at the door to the room. Ask guests to fill out a guest sticker name tag and inform them that they will be called on the briefly introduce themselves at the beginning of the meeting. Make it a point to make everyone feel welcome and comfortable, introducing them to others and helping them find a seat and have an idea what the meeting will entail.
We encourage each member of the Park City Toastmasters Club to seek out at least one other member in our club who can ‘mentor’ you. Someone whom you can relate to, learn from, and someone who can be a source of encouragement.
