Tips for Table Topics

I am no expert in Table Topics. It is even my least favorite session of a Toastmaster meeting. Given that, how could then I won the Division I Toastmasters Table Topics contest and went on to the Final round at the District 51 level? Well, I think to answer that question, it is better to ask those who were assigned as judges during the contest or probably the audience who watched me performed. ^_^ But if I could provide some tips for those who are interested to participate in the next Table Topic contests, the following would be the ones:

1. Opening, body, and conclusion

Table Topics is also a speech, although you do not prepare for it and are only given 1 – 2 minutes to address your opinion. So, make sure that there is an attention-getting beginning, an elaborated point, and a clear ending.

2. Create a template

I received this advice from a fellow senior Toastmaster who watched me prepared for the area level contest. And trust me…this is the best input I ever got and I think this is an important key to nailing a Table Topic contest.

 Opening
What will you say in your opening? How would you attract the audience’s and judges’ attentions? Create a template for a strong, attractive opening that will fit whatever the topic is given to you. In my case, this was the template I used for my opening:
When it was just one week ago my mother asked me, “(Restated the topic given in my own words).” I did not know how to answer that question, but my mom kept on nagging me. So this was what I said to her…(then I moved to the body of the speech)

 Ending
How will you end your speech? How are you going to summarize your point and make it memorable? Create a template for a clear ending that will help you to summarize your point and have a firing closing. This was the template that I used for my closing:
After hearing that answer, my mom smiled, nodded her head, and looked at me. And this was what she said to me… (summarize my speech, and the message that I want the audience to remember).

3. Be creative

When I was preparing for the area level Table Topic contest, I was asking myself, “How can my Table Topic speech be different from the rest of the contestants?” I knew that probably most of the other contestants were more experienced speakers than me. I also knew that most of them must have known about the importance of having the opening, body, and conclusion in their speeches. I also guessed that as an opening, most of them would just restate the table topic question or statement. So I was wondering how I could be different from the other contestants. What “spices” can I put into my speech that will make it stand out (at least a little bit)? Then I decided to incorporate some musical elements into my speech in order to attract the audience’s attention, make my speech more memorable, and put a little bit of “spices” into the contest itself. I decided to sing in the opening and ending of my speech.

4. Lesson learned

I think this is the main reason why I lost in the final round of the District level Table Topic contest. In the end of my speech, I forgot to address in a clear manner what it was the lesson or the take away point that both the audience and I could have learned from my story. Therefore, I think it is important to always make it clear in the end of your speech what that one thing is you want the audience to learn and remember. Do not merely share your opinion or story without making sure that there is a lesson learned that you can share. Make your speech personal both to you and for the audience. And remember, your audience are there not only to be informed, but also to be persuaded, entertained, and inspired.

5. Practice, practice, practice

I agree with that old adage that says “Practice makes perfect.” Therefore, make sure you practice as much as you can before the contest. Practice in front of your family, your friends, your mentor, and your fellow Toastmasters. Ask them to throw out at you as many difficult questions or statements as possible. This will help you getting used to thinking on your feet, which is what Table Topic is all about.


Cindy Resita