A Toastmaster Wears Many Hats #1167D elaborates on meeting roles.

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Common Meeting Roles

Toastmaster—The main duty of the Toastmaster is to act as a genial host and conduct the day’s program, including introducing the participants. The Toastmaster creates an atmosphere of interest, expectation, and receptivity.

Speakers—A major portion of each Toastmasters meeting is centered on one or more speakers who have prepared their speeches based on manual project objectives. These speeches are prepared in conjunction with the manuals and the time will be indicated by speech criteria.

Speech Evaluator—Each Speech Evaluator provides an oral and a written evaluation using the guide for that project in the manual. The purpose of the evaluation is to help the speaker become less self-conscious and a better communicator. Ideally, the Evaluator should take into account the speaker’s skill level, habits, mannerisms and progress to date, to give positive and constructive feedback. They may lead a five minute round robin team evaluation after their evaluation.

Timer—The Timer is responsible keeping the time for each speaker, speech evaluator and table topics participant based on the timing listed in the first column. At the end of the meeting, they will announce the times of all participants.

Table Topics Master—The purpose of Table Topics is to have members practice “thinking and speaking on their feet” by responding extemporaneously for a minute or two on a topic chosen by the Topics Master. The Topics Master typically calls on club members who do not have an assigned role in the meeting

General Evaluator—The General Evaluator evaluates anything and everything that takes place throughout the meeting, but especially the Evaluators. The General Evaluator is responsible for the Ah Counter, Grammarian, and Timer.

Ah Counter — The “Ah Counter” notes the use of words and sounds used as a “crutch” or “pause filler” by anyone who speaks during the meeting. Words may be inappropriate interjections such as “and, well, but, so, you know;” and sounds may be “ah, uh, um, er,” or other non-words used by the speaker. All participants in the meeting should be tracked for their use of filler words.

Grammarian — The Grammarian has two basic responsibilities: First, to introduce new words to members by presenting a “Word of the Day”—a word that meeting participants can incorporate in their everyday conversations but is different from the way they usually express themselves; and second, to comment on the proper use of language during the course of the meeting and to acknowledge use of unusual or colorful words by members.

Optional Meeting Roles

Leader Evaluator— Provides written feedback to Members on their roles using the Competent Leader manual.

Joke Master—The Joke Master provides some levity to the group and takes us into something they have read, experienced or simply want to share with the group.

Invocator—The Invocator provides an opening inspiration or thought for the day to begin the meeting. The invocation should be appropriate to the group and provide a positive start.

Reader—The reader provides an opportunity to practice reading in front of a group. It can be something short and usually humorous, inspirational, or motivational.