4 ms·

Toastmasters meetings have something called "table topics" where you need to give a short talk on a topic with only fifteen or so seconds of preparation. It's

Toastmasters meetings have something called "table topics" where you need to give a short talk on a topic with only fifteen or so seconds of preparation. It's great for developing the skill to figure out arguments, creating a framework for talking etc. Generally speaking, this whole thing is like a physical skill and you need to practice. The TM meetings give you a place to do that. Also, don't underestimate the value of looking presentable and confident.

hammock 4y ago
Is there a guide anywhere on how to run or coach these? (Besides going to a toastmasters event or reading a summary, not a guide for running/coaching them, on toastmasters.org)
- mcdonje 4y ago
  toastmasters.org
- noufalibrahim 4y ago
  Not that I'm aware of. The typical way is for you, assuming you live in an area without a club to attend a meeting at a larger city with a club. Then members of that club can sponsor and help you set up a local branch. They'll come and do some demo talks etc. You can gather a local audience for that and finally you're good to go. The manuals and the pathways program give you instructions on what each project has to achieve etc.
noufalibrahim 4y ago
I remember once I had to give a talk on "my favourite wonder of the seven wonders of the world." I wasn't sure what the 7 wonders were so I gave a talk on the commonality between them being human will and it's ability to overcome obstacles to create enduring monuments. It was well received and I took home a prize.
- MaxDPS 4y ago
  That’s awesome. I have a slightly similar story. Some class in college had us do debates taking a side on some legislation that was being discussed in congress. I had just given my argument and the other side came up to ask me questions (like a cross examination). One of the questions ended up being what I’d consider a gotcha question (though really I should have known the answer). They asked me what the bills name stood for (it was one of those crazy acronyms they like to use). I honestly don’t think I made it a point to remember that because it was a silly name, so I almost froze for a bit. But instead I answered by explaining the “moral implications” of “what the bill stood for”. I think the professor liked that because I wasn’t deducted any points. Also, I wouldn’t take any credit for thinking on my feet because I’m pretty sure I simply misunderstood the question at the time lmao
  - noufalibrahim 4y ago
    That's a solid recovery. I don't think I'd have thought of that but when you're in the spotlight, the brain can find ways out that were previously invisible. :)

hammock 4y ago

Is there a guide anywhere on how to run or coach these? (Besides going to a toastmasters event or reading a summary, not a guide for running/coaching them, on toastmasters.org)

mcdonje 4y ago
toastmasters.org
noufalibrahim 4y ago
Not that I'm aware of. The typical way is for you, assuming you live in an area without a club to attend a meeting at a larger city with a club. Then members of that club can sponsor and help you set up a local branch. They'll come and do some demo talks etc. You can gather a local audience for that and finally you're good to go. The manuals and the pathways program give you instructions on what each project has to achieve etc.

noufalibrahim 4y ago

I remember once I had to give a talk on "my favourite wonder of the seven wonders of the world." I wasn't sure what the 7 wonders were so I gave a talk on the commonality between them being human will and it's ability to overcome obstacles to create enduring monuments. It was well received and I took home a prize.

MaxDPS 4y ago
That’s awesome. I have a slightly similar story. Some class in college had us do debates taking a side on some legislation that was being discussed in congress. I had just given my argument and the other side came up to ask me questions (like a cross examination). One of the questions ended up being what I’d consider a gotcha question (though really I should have known the answer). They asked me what the bills name stood for (it was one of those crazy acronyms they like to use). I honestly don’t think I made it a point to remember that because it was a silly name, so I almost froze for a bit. But instead I answered by explaining the “moral implications” of “what the bill stood for”. I think the professor liked that because I wasn’t deducted any points. Also, I wouldn’t take any credit for thinking on my feet because I’m pretty sure I simply misunderstood the question at the time lmao
- noufalibrahim 4y ago
  That's a solid recovery. I don't think I'd have thought of that but when you're in the spotlight, the brain can find ways out that were previously invisible. :)