Welcome to Junior Toastmasters
Meeting Overview/Guidelines- How does Jr. Toastmasters work?
Welcome
We practice proper business etiquette so that we will be completely comfortable in formal situations. This formality (clapping, shaking hands) might feel awkward at first, but if you're on the way up, it is a good thing to get used to!
Meeting Opening
The Toastmaster opens the meeting with a greeting and the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag. Again, it's the routine and formality that we are practicing.
ROLES:
Toastmaster of the Day
A different member of the club leads each meeting. Each member will develop the skill of being able to give a group a sense of leadership and control. The main duty of the Toastmaster is to act as a friendly host and conduct the entire meeting, including introducing participants. Confidently leading meetings is a valuable skill that serves members well in a variety of situations. Prior to the meeting: fill in all the info- speakers name and speech titles . During the meeting: always lead the applause before and after Table Topics session, each prepared speaker, and the General Evaluator.
Speakers
The core Toastmasters program is to complete 3- 4 speeches per school year. (2 each semester) Each speech focuses on a different skill. Examples of skills include body language, gestures, vocal variety, and using props effectively. Typically, there are three to four speakers at each meeting who choose their own topics.
Hot Seat
If you are assigned as "Hot Seat" you must be prepared to present your speech a week early in the event that a schedule speaker is absent or sick.
Evaluators
A fellow Jr. Toastmaster evaluates each prepared speech. Our format is to compliment, critique and challenge. (GLOWS and GROWS) The evaluations are consistently supportive and encouraging.
General Evaluator offers observations on the meeting as a whole.
Table Topics Master
This part of the meeting is many members' favorite! A short topic or question is given by the Table Topics Master and members are randomly called on to speak for 1 to 2 minutes on that subject. Impromptu speaking is a skill that we want to develop in members, and it’s a fun way to get to know each other. State the question briefly, then call on a respondent. Call on speakers at random, don't go around the room in the order in which people are sitting. Try not to ask the same question twice.
Wordmaster
The Wordmaster brings in a word of the day and challenges each member to use that word at least once while speaking. They keep a tally of how often the word was used, and by whom. We practice thinking on our feet (and making it look easy). Prior to the meeting: Select a "word of the day". In letters large enough to be seen from the back of the room, please make two copies of the word, show the word's part of speech, and brief definition. Tape one up to the lectern, and one to the table facing the lectern. It should be a word that fits into everyday conversation. The idea is not to "stump" members, but to add to their vocabulary. Prepare a sentence showing how the word is used.
Grammarian
The Grammarian is responsible for noting incorrect uses of the English language and reporting them at the end of the meeting to help each member use consistently polished language. We also recognize particularly effective word choices.
Ah Counter
The Ah Counter is responsible for noting filler word such as ah, um, uh, like, you know, and excessive uses of and. Since many speakers are not aware that they use filler words, a bell alerts them. The bell is not rung during prepared speeches, but ahs are counted and reported.
Timer
The timer uses green, yellow and red "lights" to indicate to speakers how much time has elapsed. In business it is important to stay within time guidelines, so we practice that skill in Toastmasters.
Vote Counter
The Vote Counter collects and tallies member votes for best Table Topics response, best improved Speaker and best Evaluator and delivers results to the Toastmaster so that ribbons can be awarded at the end of the meeting as a source of encouragement.
• Everyone should address the Toastmaster (and Table Topics Master) before and after he/she speaks. For example: "Mister (or Madam) Toastmaster, the Timer's job is to..." (and then close with) "...Mister (or Madam) Toastmaster."
• Anyone approaching the lectern should shake the hand of the Toastmaster or Table Topics Master-or anyone standing in that position.
• Listening is as important a skill as speaking.
• NO GUM CHEWING, by either participants or guests.
• Hats or hoodies may not be worn during the meetings.
• Participation: The benefits of Junior Toastmasters are realized with regular attendance. It becomes difficult to keep including students who have not made a commitment to the program. Optimally, each student will participate -in one way or another- in each meeting. If a student has an assigned job, but will be unable to attend that meeting, it is his/her responsibility to contact a replacement.
• BE ON TIME. The meetings begin promptly at 8:30. Also, if dropping off your child, be sure to arrive back by 10:00 am unless your student is registered for another LTL class. If you notice someone speaking at the lectern, be courteous and wait for them to finish before opening the door. Thank you!
• The restrooms and water fountain are out in the hall. Please use them BEFORE or AFTER the meeting, not DURING. This is very disruptive to the participants. (Especially during speeches.) Thank you!
• Please come to each meeting ready to participate. rarely does a meeting go by without someone having to fill in. Bring a paper and pencil.
• The name tags are designed for uniformity. Please do not draw, scribble, or otherwise deface these.
• Print-Outs for the jobs can found here. (Remember these handouts will be printed and available for you at each class these are just for your reference to read at home)
• For the Parents and Guests: There have been occasions in the past when a quick comment or two has developed into a chatter. We set the example our kids will follow. Please be respectful of their time in the meeting. Also note that the parking lot is not an area to congregate in or use as a playground. Once again, this is a place of business. We will not be allowed to use this facility if we do not respect it.
Table Topics Master
This part of the meeting is many members' favorite! A short topic or question is given by the Table Topics Master and members are randomly called on to speak for 1 to 2 minutes on that subject. Impromptu speaking is a skill that we want to develop in members, and it’s a fun way to get to know each other. State the question briefly, then call on a respondent. Call on speakers at random, don't go around the room in the order in which people are sitting. Try not to ask the same question twice.
Wordmaster
The Wordmaster brings in a word of the day and challenges each member to use that word at least once while speaking. They keep a tally of how often the word was used, and by whom. We practice thinking on our feet (and making it look easy). Prior to the meeting: Select a "word of the day". In letters large enough to be seen from the back of the room, please make two copies of the word, show the word's part of speech, and brief definition. Tape one up to the lectern, and one to the table facing the lectern. It should be a word that fits into everyday conversation. The idea is not to "stump" members, but to add to their vocabulary. Prepare a sentence showing how the word is used.
Grammarian
The Grammarian is responsible for noting incorrect uses of the English language and reporting them at the end of the meeting to help each member use consistently polished language. We also recognize particularly effective word choices.
Ah Counter
The Ah Counter is responsible for noting filler word such as ah, um, uh, like, you know, and excessive uses of and. Since many speakers are not aware that they use filler words, a bell alerts them. The bell is not rung during prepared speeches, but ahs are counted and reported.
Timer
The timer uses green, yellow and red "lights" to indicate to speakers how much time has elapsed. In business it is important to stay within time guidelines, so we practice that skill in Toastmasters.
Vote Counter
The Vote Counter collects and tallies member votes for best Table Topics response, best improved Speaker and best Evaluator and delivers results to the Toastmaster so that ribbons can be awarded at the end of the meeting as a source of encouragement.
RULES and CLASSROOM GUIDELINES
• Everyone should address the Toastmaster (and Table Topics Master) before and after he/she speaks. For example: "Mister (or Madam) Toastmaster, the Timer's job is to..." (and then close with) "...Mister (or Madam) Toastmaster."
• Anyone approaching the lectern should shake the hand of the Toastmaster or Table Topics Master-or anyone standing in that position.
• Listening is as important a skill as speaking.
• NO GUM CHEWING, by either participants or guests.
• Hats or hoodies may not be worn during the meetings.
• Participation: The benefits of Junior Toastmasters are realized with regular attendance. It becomes difficult to keep including students who have not made a commitment to the program. Optimally, each student will participate -in one way or another- in each meeting. If a student has an assigned job, but will be unable to attend that meeting, it is his/her responsibility to contact a replacement.
• BE ON TIME. The meetings begin promptly at 8:30. Also, if dropping off your child, be sure to arrive back by 10:00 am unless your student is registered for another LTL class. If you notice someone speaking at the lectern, be courteous and wait for them to finish before opening the door. Thank you!
• The restrooms and water fountain are out in the hall. Please use them BEFORE or AFTER the meeting, not DURING. This is very disruptive to the participants. (Especially during speeches.) Thank you!
• Please come to each meeting ready to participate. rarely does a meeting go by without someone having to fill in. Bring a paper and pencil.
• The name tags are designed for uniformity. Please do not draw, scribble, or otherwise deface these.
• Print-Outs for the jobs can found here. (Remember these handouts will be printed and available for you at each class these are just for your reference to read at home)
• For the Parents and Guests: There have been occasions in the past when a quick comment or two has developed into a chatter. We set the example our kids will follow. Please be respectful of their time in the meeting. Also note that the parking lot is not an area to congregate in or use as a playground. Once again, this is a place of business. We will not be allowed to use this facility if we do not respect it.
*****See LTL Handbook for complete community and facility guidelines*****
