How to Be Toastmaster of the Day
A toastmaster has several duties both before and during the meeting. Though these duties will vary depending upon the organization, the toastmaster of the day is the host of the program. He ensures that things run smoothly while creating an atmosphere where the participants feel comfortable. He also creates a feeling of interest and expectation in the crowd with his speech and manner.
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Instructions
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Before the Program
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1
Set the theme for the meeting if not dictated by the organization. Consider upcoming holidays, social events or topics the membership enjoys, such as travel, technology or gardening when choosing the theme.
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2
Advise speakers of the theme of the meeting. Remind them by phone or email two to three days in advance of the meeting that they are speaking. At this time, ask them for two or three sentences pertaining to their introduction to the audience.
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3
Prepare introductions for each speaker. Also prepare segue statements for use between segments to avoid awkward pauses during the program. Write agendas for the meeting and have the appropriate number of copies made.
During the Meeting
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4
Arrive early to ensure the stage is correctly set up and the lectern appropriately positioned. Place bottles of water near the lectern.
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Invite the speaker to the lectern and lead the applause as they approach. Announce each speaker when she takes the lectern, keeping the introduction less than a minute in length. Remain standing near the lectern until the speaker acknowledges your presence and takes control of the meeting. Repeat for each speaker.
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Keep track of the time. Have a signal, worked out ahead of time, to alert the speaker when he is nearing the end of his time limit. Lead the applause when the speaker has finished.
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Give short comments after each segment. These should be less than a minute in length and seamlessly lead to the introduction of the next speaker.
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References
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