Value of Table Topics

Fourcaster Volume 70, No. 2 Winter 2005

Table Topics is fun! (Yeah, right) You need to present a one to two minute impromptu speech on an unknown subject. You need to have an Opening, Body, and Conclusion. I personally HATED Table Topics and would do anything so I would not be called at the meeting. Yes, anything (Speaker, Toastmaster, Timer, Evaluator, or any task at the meeting) so the dreaded ‘Topicmaster’ would not call on me. The first club I joined had their Table Topics in the beginning of the meeting; I would even come late just to avoid being called. Until, I learned the secret to Table Topics. Table Topics became FUN and I looked forward to having to answer the questions that the Topicmaster would ask. The secret to Table Topics is to have fun with the question, make-up a story and answer the question. Really, you do not have to tell the truth when you are asked a Table Topic question.

Have you ever been asked a question in “REAL LIFE” and later asked yourself why did I say that or I should have said … Table Topics enhances your speaking skills for: Public Speaking, Interview Responses, Assertiveness, Negotiation, Communication, Sales, Communication Training, Networking and anytime impromptu speaking is required. Each question assists you in learning to think on your feet, organize your thoughts (before opening your mouth), and develop mini-speeches with an opening, body and conclusion.

In a Communication Workshop I attended, the trainer used “PREP” to help develop speaking skills. PREP stands for Point, Reason, Example, and Point. This fits with Table Topics. When the question is asked, follow PREP in answering:

• Point – state you point of view about the question
• Reason – give a reason for your view
• Example – give one or two examples (no more the three)
• Point – restate your point of view

Table Topics helps improve your day-to-day conversation, confidence and are FUN!