Contest season is around the corner. Have you signed up to compete in your club's table topics contest? If not, please consider doing so, especially after you read this article. You have it in you to succeed.
On August 14th, as Vice President of Education, I ran an educational session for my Northern Stars Toastmasters Club based in Helsinki. Our meeting was held online and we had guests from around the world. The session began with a 7-minute speech, followed by Q&A and a table topics session where brave audience members put these tips into action. I hope this article helps you on your Toastmasters public speaking journey. Feel free to share.
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The best way to hack table topics is to bribe the table topics master. I usually find 20 euros to be a good starting point of discussion. Just kidding! This goes completely against Toastmaster's values. Let me begin again. The only way to hack table topics is by hacking yourself first.
Here are 6 tips that I personally use to hack table topics. Feel free to add one, none or all six to your toolbox. I hope these will help you gain confidence and that you volunteer for every table topics opportunity that comes your way.
1. Know the Rules. How can you play chess if you don't know the rules? How will you be judged? Structure is key. I use the hamburger technique with the intro and conclusion as the buns and all the good stuff in the middle, the body of my speech. Don't forget to summarize. The best way to learn all the rules is to be a judge yourself at a table topics contest. Even looking at a judge's ballot during any table topics session is helpful.
2. Be Ready Now. Make a list of the top 5 topics that you are ready to talk about now. What are you passionate about? Make it a positive list. Make the topics simple. In 1-2 minutes, you don't have time to take an audience on an emotional rollercoaster. Your top 5 list of ready now topics should be in your back pocket. You may get lucky if the actual topic matches up with any of your passions. Very rare, but at least you are prepared.
3. Empty Your Mind. Remember Neo in The Matrix in that white room called The Construct? Think of a completely blank canvas. Empty your mind of every thought. Focus on your breathing. This is your starting point. Ready for anything. Those who practice meditation or yoga know what I am talking about. This empty space is where you can begin painting any picture for the audience.
4. Be Flexible. When you are on stage, listen to the topic. Stop and think. Can the topic match up with my ready now list? If not, don't panic. Be flexible and go with it by starting with one the following techniques. You can begin by asking a question, stating a quote, telling a story, saying something humorous, or by offering a completely oppositive viewpoint than the norm. The most important part here is to start. You can also use repeated phrases and pauses to think then speak.
5. Make Plan B. In this international organization you will hear a variety of accents. What happens if you don't understand the topic at all? You can kindly ask for a repeat. Still don't get it? Don't panic. I have never used this tip, but I am ready for anything. I have a list of possible speeches in case I misheard the topic. A speech about The Dangers of Poor Communication or Lost in Translation. It may be off topic, but I least I will have delivered a speech.
6. Have Fun! This is the most important part. Table topics allows for plenty of creativity. The audience is always rooting for you. There are no wrong answers, no wrong speeches. Consider volunteering for every table topics opportunity. Practice does make perfect. Have fun with it. You can paint your own canvas. You can be an actor on stage.
In summary, know the rules so you know how you are judged. Always have 5 positive topics that you can talk about now. Empty your mind and be flexible to any topic. Always have a backup speech in case topic is too complex. Just start and go! Have fun with it!
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