Toastmaster

The main duty of the Toastmaster is to act as the host and make introductions

Participants should be introduced in a way that encourages the audience to listen to them. The Toastmaster creates an atmosphere of interest, expectation, and receptivity.
Usually this task will not be assigned to you until you are familiar with the Club and its procedures.

Before the meeting

Check with the Vice President Education to find out if a special theme has been set for the meeting and if there are any programme changes.
Contact Speakers in advance to remind them that they are speaking. Ask for their speech title, manual project number, purpose to be achieved, time requested and something interesting which you can use when introducing them (job, family, hobbies, education, why this topic for this audience etc.).
Call the General Evaluator to confirm the assignment.
Prepare introductions for each role (speaker, grammarian, evaluators…etc). A proper introduction can add to the success of the Speaker’s presentation. You can contact all role holders in the meeting through easy-speak (email #3), or as an alternative you can use the club’s email list, which also comes in handy if you need to advertise vacant speaking slots or roles in the upcoming meeting.
Prepare remarks which can be used to bridge the gaps between programme segments. You may never use them, but you should be prepared to avoid possibly awkward periods of silence.
Remember that performing as Toastmaster is one of the most valuable experiences in your Club work. The assignment requires careful preparation in order to have a smoothly-run meeting.

At the meeting

Arrive early in order to finish any last-minute details.
Check with the speakers for any last-minute changes.
Sit near the front of the room for quick and easy access to the lectern.

During the meeting

Preside with sincerity, energy and decisiveness. Take your audience on a pleasant journey and make them feel that all is going well.
Study the Agenda carefully so that you do not miss any activity or announcement.
Always lead the applause before and after each presenter.
After your introduction of another presenter, remain standing near the lectern until you have shaken hands – signifying your hand over of control of the meeting – then be seated.
When another presenter has finished, shake hands again to signify that control of the meeting is returning to you.

Resources & Further Information

A script outlining the flow of a typical meeting from a Toastmaster’s perspective (in MS Word document format): Toastmaster Script.

Further information on the Toastmaster role from District 72

http://www.toastmasters.org.nz/index.cfm/Speaking_Resources/Chairing_Meetings.html

Further information on making good introductions from District 72

http://www.toastmasters.org.nz/index.cfm/Speaking_Resources/Introductions.html