Youth Leadership Program

 

For the youths of today, aged 13 to 18. 

Let the seed be planted and nurtured in their lives. 

The potential in a youth is far and great. Nobody knows what a little experience and nurturing will do for their future. 

Invest RM250 into the lives of the next generation and show them the leader and speaker they have in them. 

Anyone can be a great leader. Leaders are not born - they are made.

Registration Form

Registration is limited to 20 pax only. 

Last day for registration on 3 December 2010.

SPECIAL GUEST NIGHT

Come and have fun with us while learning how to communicate effectively and lead confidently.

UPDATES from our CLUB

Dear members, 

WE ARE IN THE NEWS!

Our meeting #409 is in the online news you can view it in the link below. 

http://malaysiakini.tv/video/20464/jbs-toastmasters.html

Many thanks to Mr Rajandran, from komunitikini.com for joining us and taking the videos from his little trusty camera. We had the theme 'Deepavali' and with VPE Lucy's vadai that she bought, gave the evening a little bit more ambience. 

It was also great to have had toastmasters from other clubs join us and participated in our meeting. 

It's the end of the year soon and we will be having our YOUTH LEADERSHIP PROGRAM at the end of November. It will be held at Grand Paragon Hotel and more details will be sent to you soon. 

However, it is not too early to TELL EVERYONE about it, and I'm looking for members who will volunteer to help out this event.

Hope to see you all soon! Success is Ours

Till our next meeting #410,

President Charlotte Goh

A Picture Speaks A Thousand Words

Some pics from President Charlotte's computer

The Division A 2010 International Speech Contest 

The Supporters

Annual Convention at Miri, Sarawak. With Siew, who got through to the Table Topics Finals. We had ourselves a gala time.

Installation nights... This is for Sacred Heart TMC's installation night

This was another Installation Night. All bollywood and I forgot my scarf. :P 

While in KL, I went to MII TMC, and was asked to be the 'AH' counter. They had a list which I found useful.

Toastmasters from Malaysia Insurance Institute Toastmasters Club. Check out their awards at the back! 

It was interesting how other clubs conduct their meetings in a very different way from us. To see the dedication of the members in their club. 

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"When we hold on together, We know our dreams will never end"

July Speacial Occassion - MIM Toastamsters Club of Johor Bahru Installation Night (Term of 2010/2011)

VENUE : DIAMOND 3, LEVEL 6, GRAND PARAGON HOTEL, JOHOR BAHRU
DATE : 20th JULY 2010 (TUESDAY)
TIME : 6.30 till 9.30 pm
THEME : RED & BLACK
CHARGE : RM 20 (non-member)
                   Free for member

BACKGROUND
As Toastmasters International motto, "Become the Speaker & Leader You Want To Be", supported by the Mission of a Toastmasters Club which is to provide a mutually supportive and positive learning environment in which every individual member has the opportunity to develop oral communication and leadership skills, which in turn foster self-confidence and personal growth. For that, every year, MIM Toastmasters Club of Johor Bahru, a non-profit organization in public speaking; organizing an installation night as it is one of the grand events for each and every Toastmasters Clubs. By this kind of event, we would see and witness the incoming Executive Committees (EXCO) to be installed or elected as our one year ahead leaders or “little Club Ministers”. They will lead the Club’s future to greater heights – by encouraging members to do more productive public speaking and discover the leadership within them. And so MIM Toastmasters Club of Johor Bahru members will look upon the incoming EXCO as their role models – to guide them. At the same time, the club would thank to all outgoing Executive Committees for the effort they have put into the club for these past 12 months.

INSTALLATION NIGHT (TERM OF 2010/2011) CUM INDUCTION
As according to the program, the event was start by members and guests arrival, where they have to do the registration and it was conducted by our club Sergeant-At-Arms, TM Fazril Shazriq Bin Mahmud. RM20 per person charged for non-member and it absolutely free for members. There were also some little door gift and program agenda provided.
The event then start by the Sergeant-At-Arms for the event, TM Tan Chin Chin by calls the meeting to order and she then invite the Organizing Chairperson, TM Norihan Binti Mohamad Misbah to present her welcome address. The organizing Chairperson then invites Club President, Charlotte Goh, CC to give her opening speech.
The event then proceed to prepared speech session which provided in order to give some picture about our club activities to guests apart from toastmasters. It was hosted by our Vice President (Membership), Ee Jun Wai, CC, CL and the person who took the challenge was TM Siti Nurfatihah Binti Md Noh, presenting her Project 4 – How to Say It from the Communication and Leadership Program. She was truly amazing with her speech entitled “Gift” and evaluated by our Immediate Past President, TM Glenn Koh who gave his very supportive and encouraging comments. The person who keeps track of the time was our dedicated Vice President (Education), Auyong Lucy, CTM, ALB.
It was a memorable night for our members, Ong Eng Hock, CC, CL and Doreen Tey, CTM as well as our Club President’s father, as there was birthday celebration for July born. It was glad when the host announced we’ll have our refreshments then, so that we can enjoy the birthday cake which really looks tasty.
Main agenda arise just after we had some refreshment. The SAA welcome back the audience who then invite the Organizing Chairperson proceed to the main agenda. She then invites our Immediate Past President, TM Glenn Koh for his acknowledgement address who then present trophy to Ee Jun Wai as he was the one who brought our IPP into this club. Another award goes to our dedicated Club President for her outstanding performance during last term.
The IPP then invites the Area A4 Governor, Ku Yun Boon, CTM to conduct the discharge of outgoing officers and installation of incoming officers. All outgoing officers were attending the event except TM Michael Tee (Vice President – Membership) and TM Gan Chin Soon (Secretary). Below are the club members who dare to take the challenge to bring our club to a greater height in next following term:
Immediate Past President : TM Glenn Koh
President : Charlotte Goh, CC
Vice President (Education) : Au Yong Lucy, CTM, ALB
Vice President (Membership) : Ee Jun Wai, CC, CL
Vice President (Public Relations : TM Norihan Binti Mohamad Misbah
Secretary : TM Nur Haizarisha Binti Suratman
Treasurer : Jason Kum, ACB
Sergeant-At-Arms : TM Fazril Shazriq Bin Mahmud

As our Vice President (Membership) very first task, Ee Jun Wai, CC, CL then invited by the Organizing Chairperson to conduct the next session of the event, the induction of new club members. It is really important to our new members as they understand clearly their responsibilities as a toastmaster. Our new members consist of 2nd and 3rd Batch of IRDA Speechcraft whose then did some pledge and made some firm obligation which then followed by the other club members as their support and welcome new members.
After going through all the serious session, the audience then served by some relax and enjoy entertainment and cheers prepared by our Club President, Charlotte Goh, CC. It was really nice as she insert some table topics session, asked members to thank each and every guests and not to forget letter distribution which then everyone formed the club name.
The event reached the end by some token of appreciation presentation from Club President to Immediate Past President and presented by the Division A Governor representative, Tan Eng Suan, CC, ALB. As usual, the event closed by some closing speech from Club President.
Overall, the event was going smoothly almost according to the plan even though some uncontrolled circumstances came last minute. It was raining, resulting some of members and guests were not coming and the event began late in order to give some times for others arrival. There was last minute drop-out speaker from our new member, TM Hafizi as he may too nervous to start his very first project in front of big crowd. Other appointments holders gave their full commitments and support towards the events as guests enjoying the whole event. We were glad to see a number of Division A officers around as well as other Area Governor and clubs’ president (refer to List of Attendance).

From the Organizing Chairperson myself, the event was successful and achieved the program goals. As I'm totally new in toastmasters, there might a few things those overlooked and should be improved in future. The most important thing is everybody learnt and built their leadership skills. My greatest appreciation of course goes to all who attend the event as it wont be succeed without your presence. I really look forward to see all of you in our club afterwards. Yet, I should give credits to members (Lucy, Doreen, Charlotte,Glenn & fatihah) who helped me so much in order to see this event success. Then, now I understand why our President choose that phrase for our club motto. Yes, "Success is Ours"!


Yours sincerely,
TM Norihan Binti Mohamad Misbah
Organizing Chairperson
Vice President (Public Relations)
MIM Toastamsters Club of Johor Bahru

A Good Speech & A Good Listener

A good speech:

• is well remembered, even after one year.
• is to the point and not confusing.
• is personal and the audience can relate to the speech.
• makes the audience want to hear more.

--------------------------

We all love to hear a good speech. We all love to talk.

We learn how to do public speaking, but are we good communicators? Do we know how to relate to others and hold a conversation?

The art of LISTENING.

How well do we listen to others?

I am guilty of the fact that I am a poor listerner. I have unconciously, along the years, obtained the habit of hearing but not listening. My eyes dart from right to left, distracted by the surroundings when someone is talking to me,.

I have to conciously make the effort to pull back my sight and focus on the person talking - and I wonder when will I ever be able to concentrate and focus.

What about you? Do you hear or do you listen?

-----------------

Charlotte Goh

Humorous Speech Contest Rules

These rules apply to all Humorous Speech Contests, which are conducted in English only. These rules may not be supplanted or modified, and no exceptions may be made.

PURPOSE
a) To provide an opportunity for speakers to improve their speaking abilities and to recognize the best as encouragement to all.
b) To provide an opportunity to learn by observing the more proficient speakers who have benefited from their Toastmasters training.
c) To recognize the value of humor in speaking.

SELECTION SEQUENCE

Each Club in good standing may select a contestant to compete in the Area contest. A Club may choose its contestant by whatever means the Club desires. If a contest is held, it must comply with all these rules and the contest result is final. The Area speech contest winner then proceeds to the Division contest (if applicable). The Division winner then proceeds to the District contest. Should an Area or Division contest winner be unable to participate in the next contest level, the highest placed available contestant will advance to the next level.


ELIGIBILITY

All Toastmasters who are members in good standing of the Club in which they are competing are eligible to compete. The Club also must be in good standing. New, dual, or reinstated members must have dues and membership application current with Toastmasters International.

A member must maintain eligibility at all levels of any contest. If at any level it is discovered that a contestant was ineligible to compete at any previous level, the contestant must be disqualified even if the ineligibility is not discovered until a later level and has been corrected.

The following are ineligible to compete in this contest: incumbent International Officers and Directors; District Officers (Governor, any Lieutenant Governor, Division Governor, Area Governor, Secretary, Treasurer, or Public Relations Officer) whose terms expire June 30; International Officer and Director candidates; Immediate Past District Governors, District Officers or announced candidates for the term beginning the upcoming July 1; presenters of educational sessions at the Area, Division, and District event at which the contest will be held. An individual may not be a judge at any level for a contest in which they are still competing.

Toastmasters who are members in more than one Club and who meet all other eligibility requirements may compete in each Club Humorous Speech Contest in which membership in good standing is held. However, should they win more than one Club Humorous Speech Contest, they can represent only one of the Clubs at the Area level. No contestant can compete in more than one Area Humorous Speech Contest, even if the two Areas are in different Divisions or different Districts.

A contestant must be a member in good standing of the Club, Area, Division, or District being represented when competing in a speech contest at the next level.

Each contestant must complete the Speaker’s Certification of Eligibility and Originality (Form 1183) and submit it to the Chief Judge prior to the contest.

Each contestant must be present to compete. Participation by audio and video tape and teleconference is not permitted.


SPEECH PREPARATION

The subject for the humorous speech shall be selected by the contestant. The speaker should avoid potentially objectionable language, anecdotes and material.

Contestants must prepare their own five to seven minute speech, which must be substantially original and certified as such in writing to the Chief Judge by the contestants prior to the presentation of the speeches (on Form 1183, Speaker's Certification of Eligibility and Originality). Any quoted material must be so identified during the speech presentation.

The speech must be thematic in nature (opening, body, and close) and not be an act or monologue (series of one-liners).


GENERAL PROCEDURE

A contest Chairman, Chief Judge, at least five Judges, a Tiebreaking Judge, two Counters and two Timers are appointed. These appointments will be as far as is practical at Club levels, but required for Area through District levels of this contest. All Judges will judge all contestants.

Before the contest, contestants are briefed on the rules by the contest Chairman. Judges, Counters and Timers are briefed on their duties by the Chief Judge. Contestants will then draw for their speaking position with the contest Chairman.

If a contestant is absent from the briefing, the alternate speaker, if present, may be included in place of the primary contestant. When the contest Toastmaster is introduced, if not present, the primary contestant is disqualified and the alternate officially becomes the contestant. Where the primary contestant arrives and makes this known to the contest chairman and has all required paperwork in good order prior to the introduction, and missed the briefing, disqualification shall not occur and the primary contestant may speak in the drawn order, but waives the opportunity of a briefing.

All contestants will speak from the same platform or area designated by the contest Chairman with prior knowledge of all the Judges and all the contestants. The contestants may speak from any position within the designated area and are not limited to standing at the lectern/podium.

A lectern/podium will be available. However, the use of the lectern/podium is optional.

If amplification is necessary, a lectern/podium fixed-mounted microphone and a portable microphone should be made available, if possible. It is suggested that the fixed-mounted microphone be nondirectional. The selection and use of a microphone is optional for each contestant.

All equipment will be available for contestants to practice prior to the contest. Contestants are responsible for arranging their preferred setup of the lectern/podium microphone and other equipment in a quiet manner before being introduced by the Toastmaster.

Introduce each contestant by announcing:

• the contestant's name,

• speech title,

• speech title,

• the contestant's name.

There will be one minute of silence between contestants, during which the Judges will mark their ballots. There may also be one minute of silence before the first contestant.

Contestants may remain throughout the duration of the contest, in the same room.

Announcement of contest winners is final unless the list of winners is announced incorrectly, in which case the Chief Judge, Ballot Counters, or Timers may immediately interrupt to correct the error.


TIMING

Speeches shall be five to seven minutes. Contestants who speak less than four minutes 30 seconds or more than seven minutes 30 seconds will be disqualified.

Time will begin with the first word uttered by the contestant. However, should the contestant engage is definite verbal or nonverbal communication with the audience (including the playing of music or other sound effects, a staged act by another person, etc.) prior to reaching the speaking position and uttering the first word of the speech, the Timer shall activate the timing device at that point. If this results in the contestants going overtime the contestant will be disqualified.

• A green signal will be turned on a five minutes and remain on for one minute.

• An amber signal will be turned on at six minutes and remain on for one minute.

• A red signal will be turned on at seven minutes and remain on until the speech is concluded.

No audible device, such as a buzzer, shall be used for the overtime period.

Any sightless contestant may request and must be granted a form of warning signal of his or her own choosing. Acceptable warning signals would include, but not limited to: a buzzer, a bell, or a person announcing the times at five, six, and seven minutes. If any special device and/or specific instructions for such signal is/are required, the contestant must provide same.

In the even of technical failure of the signal, a speaker is allowed 30 seconds extra overtime before being disqualified.

Prior to announcing results, the Chairman should announce if time disqualification(s) occurred, but not name the contestant(s) involved.


PROTESTS

Protests will be limited to Judges and contestants. Any protest will be lodged with the Chief Judge and/or contest Chairman prior to the announcement of the winner and alternate(s). The contest Chairman shall notify the contestant of a disqualification regarding originality or eligibility prior to that announcement before the meeting at which the contest took place is adjourned.

Before a contestant can be disqualified on the basis of originality, the contestant must be given an opportunity to respond to the Judges. A majority of the Judges must concur in the decision to disqualify. The contest Chairman can disqualify a contestant on the basis of eligibility.

All decisions of the Judges are final.


WINNERS

In contests with five or more participants, a third place winner (if wanted), a second place winner, and a first place winner will be announced.

In contests with four or fewer participants, a second place and first place winner will be announced.


CONTEST SCHEDULE

Districts conducting Humorous Speech Contests should announce the date of the District contest and establish dates by which the Division, Area, and Club contests must be completed.

HUMOROUS SPEECH & EVALUATION CONTEST

It's the time of the year again where our members will tickle your funny bone!!
Delivering such inspirational and persuasive speech are very common to fellow toastmasters.
But, to deliver speeches that able to stimulate the laughter of the audience, it will not be easy !
C'mon and take this challenge, be part of this contest !

VENUE: Grand Paragon Hotel
DATE: 17th August 2010
TIME: 7.00 till 9.00 pm

Toastmasters, if you think you have the charm to make us laugh, please contact The Organizing Chairperson @ 0177326470 or simply send an email to asakurashamanrael@hotmail.com.
Why so serious? let's have some fun and share our laughter together, well said, laughter is the best medicine !
Oh !! wait a minute !!
The contest will not complete without judges and evaluators. So let's have the contest for evaluation too!! wootz !
Craving to be a criticizer after watched plenty of reality TV shows? Well then, this is your chance !!
Please email me or contact me via text or call if you are interested with evaluation contest !!!

Warmest Regards,
TM FAZRIL SHAZRIQ BIN MAHMUD
THE ORGANIZING CHAIRPERSON
CLUB SERGEANT-AT-ARMS
MIM TOASTMASTERS CLUB OF JOHOR BAHRU
 
(posted by : TM Rihan, Club VPPR)

2 WORKSHOPS

Effective Evaluation & Contest Judging Workshops

Please let Charlotte know via sms if you are keen to attend this workshop. 

Appointment Holder Roles

In every Toastmasters club meetings, we appoint various people to take up roles. These roles should be taken seriously as each role is important to a successful meeting. 

Below are the various roles and what you should do before and during the meeting. 

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1. Toastmasters of the Evening (TME)

As Toastmaster of the Evening, you face the task of introducing the other appointment holders. The primary duty of the Toastmaster is to act as a genial host and conduct the entire program. The TME can also choose to spice up the meeting with themed meetings (such as 'Bollywood Night') or other festive events. 


It is the Toastmaster who creates an atmosphere of interest, expectation and receptivity.

Before The Meeting

Call all role players beginning about a week before the meeting to remind them of their duties. Discuss these duties if necessary. Ask the General Evaluator to call the other members of the Evaluation Team (Speech Evaluators, TableTopics Evaluator, Time Keeper, Ah Counter, Language Evaluator).

Work with the Vice President Education to arrange substitute speakers if any assigned speaker cannot make it. Do this before the meeting.

Interview all speakers in advance to find out their speech title, manual project number, purpose to be achieved, time allowed, and something interesting about themselves, which you can use when introducing them. 

Prepare introductions for each speaker. Refer to "How to introduce a Speaker" in the C & L manual.

Schedule the program so it does not run overtime. The meeting should start punctually at 7.00 pm and end punctually 9.00 pm.

Prepare remarks, which can be used to bridge the gaps between program segments. You may never use them but you should be prepared to avoid possibly awkward periods of silence.

At the Meeting

• Arrive early in order to finish any last-minute details.
• Check with the speakers for any last-minute changes.
• Sit near the head of the table and have your speakers do likewise for quick and easy access to the rostrum.

During the Meeting

• Thank the President and accept the gavel when you are presented as a Toastmaster.
• Introduce the evening. Briefly explain Toastmasters, its purpose and history.
• Briefly explain the evening's agenda.
• Announce each speech title and speaker. Identify which C & L project the speaker is presenting and briefly describe the purpose of that project. Alternatively you may ask the General Evaluator to read the objectives of the speech, and the note to the Speech Evaluator.
• Introduce each speaker in turn.
• After all the speakers have spoken, call on members to fill in their voting slips for the Best Speaker. Speakers presenting assignments from the Advanced C&L manual should not be eligible for the Best Speaker award. If there are two or less speakers presenting their assignments from the basic C&L manual, there should be no vote for the Best Speaker.
• Call on the Humour Master to conduct the Humour session
• Call for a 20 minute refreshment break.
• Call on the Table Topics Master to conduct the Table Topics session. At the end of the session, ask the audience to fill in their voting slips for the Best Table Topics Speaker.
• Introduce the General Evaluator. He/She will then introduce the other members of the Evaluation Team.
• After the General Evaluator finishes his/her session, return to the lectern, announce the Best Table Topics Speaker, the Best Speaker and the Best Speech Evaluator, then ask the Club president or any dignitary present to award the prizes.
• Return control of the meeting to the President.

2. Table Topics Master

The purpose of the Table Topics Session is to have members and guests "think on their feet" by speaking for 2 minutes on one topic, without preparation. Each speaker may be given an individual subject or a number of speakers (preferably not more than 2) may speak on one subject.

The Table Topics Master leads this session of the club meeting, usually for 30 minutes after the refreshment break. Handled rightly, this can be the liveliest and most enjoyable part of the evening. Refer to "How to lead as Topicmaster" in the C & L manual.

This session should attempt to involve all those unscheduled to participate in other parts of the program.

Before the meeting

• Check with the TME to find out if a theme meeting is scheduled. If so, prepare topics to carry out that theme. Otherwise, choose a wide selection of topics. Review "The Toastmaster" and other publications for ideas.
• Find out who the prepared speakers, evaluators, General Evaluator and Toastmaster are so you can call on the other members first. Only if time permits at the end of the Topics session, should you call on program participants (speakers last).
• When choosing your specific questions, select ones that will inspire the speakers to expound on them, or give their opinions. Don't make the questions too long or complicated - phrase them in such a way that the speaker will know clearly what you want them to talk about.
• Keep your comments short. Your job is to give others a chance to speak, not to give a series of mini-talks yourself.

At the meeting

• When introduced, briefly state the purpose of the Table Topics session and set the stage for the session.
• Keep the program rolling; be certain everyone understands the maximum time they have for their response and how the timing lights/device works (if the Timekeeper hasn't already done so).
• State the topic or question briefly - then call on a speaker.
• Watch your total time! Check the printed agenda for the total time allotted to Topics and adjust the number of questions to end your segment on time. Even if your portion started late, try to end on time to avoid the total meeting running overtime.
• At the conclusion of the Table Topics session, ask members to vote for the Best Table Topics Speaker and to pass their votes to the Sergeant-at-Arms.

3. General Evaluator

The General Evaluator evaluates anything and everything that takes place throughout the meeting. The responsibility is large, but so are the rewards. 

The General Evaluator is responsible to the Toastmaster who will introduce you. At the conclusion of the evaluation segment of the meeting, you will return control to him or her. You are responsible for the Evaluation team. 

The usual procedure is to have one evaluator for each major speaker, but this is not necessary. You are free to set up any procedure you wish, but each evaluation should be brief, yet complete. Methods for conducting the evaluation sessions are limitless. Review the Effective Speech Evaluation manual for ideas.

Before the meetingCheck with the Toastmaster of the Evening to find out how the program will be conducted and if there are any planned deviations from the usual meeting format. Remember; always be ready when the meeting starts.

Call on all the evaluators to brief them on their job and to inform them whom they're evaluating and what evaluation format you will be using. Suggest each evaluator call his or her speaker to talk over any special evaluation requirements suggested in the manual for the speech.

During the briefing, emphasize that evaluation is a positive, helping act. As conscientious Toastmasters, their goals must be to help fellow Toastmasters to develop their skills. Emphasize that in the act of evaluating, the self-esteem of the speaker should be enhanced or at least preserved.

Call on remaining members of the Evaluation Team (Timekeeper, Language Evaluator, Ah Counter, Table Topics Evaluator, as appropriate) to remind them of their assignments.

Prepare a brief but thorough talk on the purpose, techniques and benefits of evaluation for the benefit of the guests. Emphasize that as evaluators, you are not critics. Criticism is negative; evaluation is a positive experience designed to help people overcome weak habits and add power to good ones.

At the meeting

• Ensure the individual evaluators have the speaker's manual, and understand the project objectives and how to evaluate it.
• Greet all evaluators who are present. If an evaluator is not present, consult with the Vice-President Education and arrange for a substitute.
• Verify each speaker's time and notify the Time Keeper.
• Sit near the back of the room to allow yourself full view of the meeting and its participants.

During the meeting

Take notes on everything that happens (or doesn't but should). For example: Is the club's property (trophies, banner, educational material etc) properly displayed? If not, why? Were there unnecessary distractions that could have been avoided? Create a checklist from which you can follow the meeting. Did the meeting and each segment of it begin and end on time?

Cover each participant during the meeting - from the opening comments to the last report by the Timer. Look for good and unacceptable examples of preparation, organization, delivery, enthusiasm, observation and general performance of duties. Remember, you are not to re-evaluate the speakers, though you may wish to add something that the Evaluator may have missed.

Prior to the Table Topics, you may be asked to stand and brief the audience on your team's means and methods of evaluation. Precisely describe what way, and how your team will handle the function.

Identify the Table Topics Evaluator, Language Evaluator, Ah Counter and Time Keeper. Have these Evaluation team members briefly state the purpose of their jobs.

When introduced to conduct the evaluation phase of the meeting, go to the lectern and introduce each evaluator. After each evaluation, thank the evaluator for his or her efforts.

Wrap up by giving your general evaluation of the meeting, using the notes you took as suggested above. You may wish to comment on the quality of evaluations. Were they positive and helpful? Did they point the way to improvement?

4. Time Keeper

One of the skills practiced in Toastmasters is that of expressing a thought within a specific time limit. The Time Keeper is the member responsible for keeping track of time.

Before the meeting

• Obtain a copy of the agenda.
• Confirm the time required for each part of the meeting.
• Find out and prepare when you will be required to give a Timer's report.

At the meeting

• Get timing equipment from the Sergeant-at-Arms (SAA). Be sure you understand how to operate the stopwatch and bell.
• Sit where the signal can easily be seen by all (back left of the meeting room).

During the meeting

• When introduced, explain the timing rules and demonstrate the signal device.
• Throughout the meeting, signal each participant according to their time given.
• Record each participant's name and time taken.
• When called to report by the Toastmaster of the Evening, stand by your chair, announce the speaker's name and time used.

After the meeting

• Return the stopwatch and timing signal device to the Sergeant-at-Arms.

5. Language Evaluator

Language evaluation in Toastmasters is viewed by some as a necessary evil. It can be a boring run-of-the-mill presentation or an incisive spicy analysis. 

The Language Evaluator is the language conscience of the meeting. He has 5 minutes for his report. His role is to point out good and bad use of language, especially word usage, grammar and pronunciation. This evaluation should focus on club members rather than guests.

Before the meeting

• Choose your 'Word-of-the Day' and inform the TME several days before the meeting to include the word in the meeting agenda.
• Find out the meaning of the word from the dictionary and construct several sentences as examples of the usage of the word. 
• Prepare A4 size posters of the Word-of-the-Day to be placed around the meeting room.

At the meeting

When called by the TME, introduce the 'Word-of-the-Day' clearly - stating the meaning of the word and sentence examples of how to use the word. 

Listen carefully and take notes on

1. Misuse of words
2. Incorrect pronunciation
3. Grammatical errors
4. Clichés (overused phrases/words)
5. Poor sentence construction
6. Excellent use of language

Organise your language evaluation. Try new, imaginative approaches. If there is enough to say on one area of language, you could well focus on that area and develop in into a speech on pronunciation, word usage, or anything else.

Give illustrations. A few comments well developed and illustrated are better than many general comments that nobody remembers.

Consult a dictionary and a simple grammar book as final authority in doubtful cases of pronunciation or usage.

6. Ah Counter

The purpose of the Ah Counter is to note words and sounds used as "pause fillers" by anyone who speaks during the meeting. Words may be inappropriate interjections such as "and, well, but, so, you know". Sounds or vocalised pauses may be "ah, um, er".

Before the meeting

• Obtain the Ah-counter checklist from the SAA.

During the meeting

• Listen to members (not guests) for such inappropriate words or sounds.
• Write down how many each member uses during the meeting.
• When called on by the General Evaluator, stand by your chair and give your report.

7. Humour Master

Meetings at times can become dull and over serious. The Humour Master is asked to share several jokes.

Before the meeting

• Prepare more jokes than you intend to use. Sometimes a speech or comment before your joke may indicate which joke you should tell.
• Practice each joke as you would a speech, and try to tell it without notes.
• Avoid "blue" jokes or jokes aimed at race, religion or politics. Someone is bound to be offended.

At the meeting

• Check with the Toastmaster of the Evening when you are to tell your jokes. He may decide to play it by ear, and call on you when the mood is appropriate.

8. Sergeant-at-Arms

The Sergeant-at-Arms is responsible for the physical arrangements at a Toastmasters meeting. Without him/her there would be chaos.

Before the meeting

• Check with the club's Sergeant-at-Arms how you are to get all the necessary equipment in good time for you to fulfil your responsibilities.
• Check with the Sergeant-at-Arms if the regular meeting fee (door fee) per head is to be collected.

At the meeting

• Arrive by 6:30 pm.
• Place the lectern at the head of the room. Place the gavel and speech prizes on the lectern and hang the club banner around the rostrum.
• Place the voting slips on the meeting tables.
• Arrange guest nametag stickers, pamphlets, guests' and members' books at the reception table outside the meeting room.
• List on the writing board provided the Guest introduction protocol, Prepared Speeches members, Evaluators and Table Topics heading.
• Greet guests and members as they come. Get them to sign the attendance books and pay the meeting fee (door fee). 
• At 6:58 pm, SAA take the rostrum, ask everyone to be seated and announce that the meeting will now commence in 2 minutes time.

During the meeting 

• At 7.30 pm sharp, welcome everyone to the club, introduce yourself and your role, and invite the President for the opening speech.
• After the Table Topics and Prepared Speeches sessions, collect the voting slips, and tabulate them.
• Present the results to the Toastmaster of the Evening.

After the meeting

• Collect all club property and store in the appropriate place.

9. Assignment Speaker

A major portion of each meeting is centred on three or more speakers. Their speeches are prepared, based on manual project objectives, and should last from five to seven minutes for the basic C&L manual and eight or more minutes depending on the assignment, for the advanced C&L manuals. Preparation is essential to success when you are the speaker.

Before the meeting

• Check the meeting schedule to find out when you are scheduled to speak. In order to derive the most benefits from the program, plan to speak from your manual.
• Before your meeting ask the General Evaluator who will be your evaluator. Speak to your evaluator and share with him which manual speech you'll be giving. Discuss with the evaluator speech goals and personal concern. Emphasize where you feel your speech ability needs strengthening. 
• Remember to bring your manual to the meeting.

At the meeting

• Arrive early. Check the microphone, lighting, etc. before everyone arrives. Protect yourself from all of the problems that can ruin your talk.
• Sit near the head of the table for quick and easy access to the lectern.
• Carefully plan your approach to the lectern and speech opening.
• Be sure that you give your manual to your evaluator before the meeting starts.
• If you do not write your own speech introduction, make certain that the Toastmaster of the Evening is prepared to do so.

During the meeting

• Give your full attention to the speakers at the lectern. Try to avoid studying your speech notes while someone else is talking.
• When introduced, smoothly leave your chair and move to the lectern as planned.
• As you begin your speech, always acknowledge the Toastmaster and the audience (Mr./Madam Toastmaster, fellow Toastmasters, and guests).
• Plan your speech closing as carefully as your opening. It is the finishing touch that will bring on the applause. Never thank your audience, but return control of the meeting to the Toastmaster of the Evening. Always wait for him or her at the lectern then return to your seat.
• During the evaluation of your speech, listen intently for helpful hints that will assist in building better future talks. Pay attention to the advice of other members on improvement.

After the meeting

• Get your manual from your evaluator. At this time discuss any questions you may have concerning your evaluation to clarify any misinterpretations.
• Have the Vice-President Education initial the Record of Assignment in the back of your manual.

10. Speech Evaluator

After every speech, an evaluation is made. After you have presented a few speeches you will be asked to serve as an evaluator and will evaluate one of the prepared speakers for the meeting. In addition to your oral evaluation, you will also give the speaker a written evaluation from the manual. 

The evaluation presented by you can make the difference between a worthwhile and a wasted meeting for your speaker. The purpose of the evaluation is to help the speaker become less self-conscious. This requires that you become fully aware of the speaker's skill level, habits and mannerisms as well as his or her progress to date. If there is a technique the speaker uses or some gesture made that receives a good response from the audience, tell the speaker so he will be encouraged to use it again.

Before the meeting

• Communicate with the speaker to find out the manual project he will be presenting. Find out the goals of the speech and what the speaker hopes to achieve. Find out exactly which skills or techniques the speaker hopes to strengthen through the exercise.
• Evaluation requires exacting preparation if it is to be of value to the speaker. Study the objectives of the project as well as the evaluation guide in the manual. By actively listening and gently offering useful advice, you motivate members to work hard and improve. When you show the way to improvement, you have opened the door to strengthening their ability.

At the meeting

• Look for the speaker and get his or her manual.
• Meet briefly with the General Evaluator to confirm the evaluation session format. Then confer with the speaker one last time to see if he or she has any specific things for you to watch for during the talk.

During the meeting

• Record your impressions of the speech in the manual along with your answers to the evaluation questions. 
• Be as objective as possible. Remember that good evaluations may give new life to discouraged members and poor evaluations may dishearten members who tried their best. 
• Remember always leave the speaker with specific methods for improving his or her speaking.

When introduced, stand and give your oral evaluation report. Begin and end your evaluation with a note of encouragement or praise. Though you may have written lengthy responses to manual evaluation questions, don't read the questions or your responses. Your oral evaluation time is limited to 3 minutes. Don't try to cover too much in your talk - possibly one point on organization, one on delivery, and one on attainment of purpose with a statement about the greatest asset and a suggestion for future improvement.

Praise a successful speech and specifically tell why it was successful. Don't allow the speaker to remain unaware of a valuable asset such as a smile, a sense of humour, and a good voice. Don't allow the speaker to remain ignorant of a serious fault or mannerism; if it is personal, write it but don't mention it aloud. Give the speaker the deserved praise and thoughtful suggestions in the manner you would like to receive them when you are the speaker.

After the meeting

• Return the manual to the speaker. Add a word of encouragement to the speaker, something that wasn't mentioned in the oral evaluation.