Linguistic Pearls

By Mary Belmore, CTM

Table Topics strikes fear in the hearts of new Toastmasters. Thinking in cogent, logical terms can only come with practice. This seems an oxymoron since Table Topics is strictly off-the-cuff speaking. But you can develop this kind of speaking ability in a painless (relatively) fashion.

Consider devoting a few moments each day to a simple thought. In example: "Eating Nachos every day is good for you because....". A logical approach to this Table Topic might suggest this response: "Nachos contain a variety of healthy, usually fresh veggies. They are low fat, high fiber and low calorie: the perfect food". This takes about ten seconds to verbalize. Go ahead, try it.

You might step outside logic and respond: "This is a little known fact, but nachos existed nameless for decades until in a small village, far in the Andes mountains two Sandanistas were heard chatting: Reaching for the wrong lunch one fighter said to the other - those are "not yours". It was ineluctable, really." This one takes about 30 seconds.

Add one or two thoughts, max, and we'll have to use a hook to get you away from the lectern! A slight exaggeration, perhaps, but try it. You'll soon fill 30 to 45 seconds, and feel good about it to boot. Shoot for 2 minutes speaking time as a goal but concentrate on making WHAT you say of primary importance.

I promise even the smallest effort will reap major rewards in self-confidence which is the point of Table Topics. Good luck everyone.

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