How to Prepare for Table Topics
Table topic activities call for the impromptu sharing of thoughts and ideas. Some families use table topics as a way to connect with each other and reflect upon past events. In other situations, public speaking groups will use this type of activity as a public speaking challenge of sorts. Regardless of the way in which you plan to use your table topics, the preparation process is relatively the same. By following this process as you get ready for your table topic fun and ensure that the activity goes off without a hitch.
Instructions
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Set a time. Decide when you want to have your table topic event. If completing this activity with your family, you may want to make it a nightly thing. If used as part of a public speaking group, you may want to include a session of table topics at the end of every meeting, or plan an entire meeting solely devoted to this activity.
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Inform participants. Tell your family or group members that you will be having this table topic activity, giving them time to mentally prepare for the task.
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Gather questions. Buy pre-made questions, or compose your own. Select questions that are appropriate to the individuals completing the activity. If it is a family, for example, you may want to focus on questions that deal with daily events and activities. If completing the table topics activity as part of a public-speaking group, you may want more challenging topics.
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Prepare the space. Select a large table at which to hold your table topic event, choosing one that is large enough for all group members to gather around. If you plan to include a large number of group members, more than could fit around a table, put several tables together to form a large circle.
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Set ground rules. Ground rules are important, particularly when dealing with potentially sensitive topics. When writing rules, include ones for things like interrupting people, keeping shared information among the group and listening without judgment.
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Select a questioning order. Create numbered slips of paper that people can draw to determine a questioning order, or select another method of choosing this order.
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