Functionary Roles

**For Further Information on Functionary Roles, Click Here 

Word of the Day

• Select a Word: Choose a word that is enriching yet manageable for members to incorporate into their speeches.

• Display the Word: Write the chosen word in large letters on a piece of paper and place it where everyone can easily see it.

• Introduce the Word: When called upon by the Toastmaster, announce the word, provide its definition, and use it in a sentence as an example.

• Encourage Usage: Inform all speakers that they should use the word in their speeches. Keep a tally of who uses the word and prepare to report on this at the meeting’s end. Note: There is a 5-cent fine for members who do not use the word during the meeting. Guests are exempt from this rule.

• Report Findings: When the General Evaluator calls upon you, present your report. Remind those who did not use the word to contribute a nickel to the fine box.

Tips for Choosing a Word

• Relevance: Pick a word that adds value to the audience’s vocabulary without being overly complex. It should be a word that members can confidently use and understand.

• Modern Usage: Avoid outdated words that are no longer in common use. The goal is to enhance practical vocabulary.

• Personal Preference: Choose a word you enjoy hearing and speaking, as it will be repeated throughout the meeting.

• Resources: Gilbert Toastmasters provides a set of cards with words and their definitions for those who need inspiration.

Example Words

Persuade, Articulate, Ephemeral , Visionary

Ah Counter

Key Responsibilities:

• Listen for filler words such as “um,” “ah,” “you know,” “so,” and “like.”

• Listen for repetitive sounds or phrases, such as “I, I” or “Well, well.”

• Keep track of each instance where speakers use these fillers or repetitive words.

During a Gilbert Toastmasters Meeting:

• Before the Meeting: Obtain the clicker that you will use to signal the use of fillers by speakers.

• Role Explanation: When introduced by the Toastmaster, briefly describe your role within 30 seconds. Demonstrate the clicker so everyone knows what to listen for. Explain that you will be keeping a tally of filler words used and mention the penalty system: a 5-cent fine for each filler word used, up to a maximum of 25 cents. Make it clear that guests are exempt from this rule.

• During the Meeting: Use the clicker to provide immediate feedback when speakers use filler words. However, refrain from using the clicker during prepared speeches or when guests are speaking. Still, keep a mental note of any fillers used during these times.

• Reporting: When called upon by the General Evaluator, give a succinct report focusing on general trends or notable instances of filler usage, rather than listing every occurrence. Your report should be concise, aiming to last less than a minute.

Tips:

• Encourage speakers to ignore the sound of the clicker and continue with their speeches without acknowledgment or apology. The goal is for members to become more aware of their use of fillers and to improve their speaking fluency over time.

This role is crucial in helping speakers become more conscious of their speech patterns and encouraging more polished, confident presentations.

Grammarian

Key Responsibilities:

• Monitor the use of the English language throughout the meeting.

• Note exemplary uses of language as well as any errors.

During the Meeting:

• Role Explanation: When introduced by the Toastmaster, briefly explain your role in under 30 seconds. Mention that you will be observing and noting language use throughout the meeting and will provide a report at the end.

• Observation: Pay close attention to both the effective and incorrect use of language by speakers. This includes grammar, vocabulary, and expressions.

• Reporting: When called upon by the General Evaluator, deliver a concise report. Highlight a few errors made, suggest improvements, and also commend particularly eloquent or effective uses of language you observed during the meeting. Aim to quote two or three impressive sentences spoken during the meeting.

This role is vital for promoting the use of strong, clear, and correct language, contributing to the development of members’ communication skills.

Timer 

Key Responsibilities:

• Keep track of timing for table topics, speeches, and evaluations.

• Use timing signals (lights) to guide speakers within their allocated time frames.

• Report adherence to timing objectives, determining award eligibility.

During the Meeting:

• Preparation: Confirm speech lengths with speakers before the meeting starts.

• Role Explanation: When introduced, explain your role and the importance of timing within 60 seconds. Detail the timing for table topics (1-2.5 minutes), speeches, and evaluations (2-3.5 minutes), and demonstrate the timing lights: green, amber, red, and blinking red.

Timing for Table Topics:

• Start timing with the speaker’s first word.

• Green light at 1:00 (minimum for award eligibility).

• Yellow light at 1:30.

• Red light at 2:00.

• Blinking red light at 2:30 (indicates disqualification for awards).

• Time concludes at 3:00; signal applause.

Timing for Prepared Speeches:

• Qualification is based on speaking within 30 seconds plus or minus the target time.

• Green light at the minimum time, yellow at the midpoint, and red at the maximum.

• Blinking red light 30 seconds past maximum time indicates disqualification.

Timing for Evaluations:

• Evaluators qualify by speaking between 2 minutes and 3 minutes 30 seconds, with a 30-second grace period.

• Green light at 2:00, yellow at 2:30, red at 3:00, and blinking red at 3:30 to signal potential disqualification.

• Time ends at 4:00; commence applause.

Reporting:

• For Table Topics, provide a summary report including times and a brief note on each speaker’s adherence to time limits. Highlight creative or noteworthy uses of the allocated time.

• For Prepared Speeches and Evaluations, simply state who qualifies for awards based on their adherence to the timing guidelines, without detailed summaries, to maintain meeting efficiency.

This approach ensures the meeting progresses smoothly while recognizing members’ abilities to express ideas concisely and effectively within set timeframes.

Joke Master

Key Responsibilities:

• Select and prepare a short, humorous joke or anecdote that is appropriate for the Toastmasters audience.

• Deliver the joke without notes, turning the presentation into a mini performance to engage the audience.

• Aim to keep the performance between 30 to 90 seconds, ensuring it’s concise yet impactful.

During the Meeting:

• Performance: When called upon by the General Evaluator, step up confidently as the day’s Joke Master. Deliver your joke with enthusiasm, clear articulation, and engaging body language to captivate your fellow members.

• Engagement: Make your delivery lively and entertaining, using your voice tone, facial expressions, and gestures to enhance the humor. Aim to create a moment of levity that energizes the audience and adds a fun dynamic to the meeting.

As the Joke Master, your role is to inject humor and warmth into the meeting, making it an enjoyable experience for everyone and demonstrating the lighter side of public speaking.

Word of Wisdom

Key Responsibilities:

• Select a thought-provoking quote, personal insight, or inspiring thought to share with the club.

• Transform your selected material into a short, engaging speech, making the content your own by elaborating on its significance and relevance.

• Aim to spark thoughtful conversation and provide valuable insights or inspiration to fellow members.

During the Meeting:

• Preparation: Choose a piece of wisdom that truly resonates with you or you believe will resonate with the audience. Spend time reflecting on why it’s meaningful and consider personal stories or contexts in which this wisdom has been applicable or impactful in your life or others’.

• Presentation: When called upon, deliver your word of wisdom as a mini-speech, aiming for a duration of 60 to 90 seconds. Focus on engaging with the audience by sharing not just the quote or thought itself but also why it matters. Dive into its implications, how it can inspire action, change perspectives, or offer comfort.

• Engagement and Delivery: Rather than simply reading from a note, connect with your audience through eye contact, expressive delivery, and perhaps a question or challenge that encourages them to think deeply about the topic. Your goal is to leave the audience reflecting on your words and considering their application in their own lives.

This role offers a unique opportunity to delve into the profound and the poignant, enriching the Toastmasters experience with depth, reflection, and inspiration.