Table Topics (Impromptu Speech) Special: March 29, 2025

Managing Online Meetings

This meeting was special in that one of our members, Hiko, took the challenge of organizing and facilitating an online meeting. As our regular meetings are conducted in a hybrid style with some members joining in person and others joining online, Hiko decided to work on a project called "Manage Online Meetings" at this special meeting, which was to be held solely online. This is a project, or module, in our education program "Pathways" that requires a member to plan and lead either an online meeting or an online webinar lasting for 20-25 minutes.

Hiko decided to conduct an online workshop focused on Table Topics, the term Toastmasters uses to refer to impromptu speeches. First, he made a presentation on some tips we can use when trying to make an impromptu speech. These included changing our mindset, buying some time,

To tackle our anxiety, we should change our mindset from telling the truth to engaging the audience. using a format of PREP (Point, Reason, Example, and Point), using entertaining or unusual taste, and staying on topic or going off topic. Then, he stressed the need for practice.

Practice Makes Perfect

After Hiko's presentation, we went into our breakout rooms to practice Table Topics speeches, where each participant delivered a speech and we had a discussion to look back on our speeches afterward. After the breakout, one member from each breakout room delivered a speech they practiced during the breakout session, followed by an interview by Hiko. It was unique that he incorporated an interview session to discuss the members' experiences, and this proved to be productive, deepening our understanding of what Hiko shared in his presentation. I'd say this was a beautifully manaaged online meeting.

In Toastmasters' education program Pathways, there are projects like this one, which provide us with opportunities to build and/or hone our skills other than public speaking skills. Some give us opportunities to lead a team to complete a project to a success, giving us some hands-on leadership training.

To learn more about these, join us at one of our meetings and see it for yourself.

Author: Tenten