Tackling Table Topics

Table Topics are a series of entertaining prompts for 1-2 minute impromptu speeches. A long-standing Toastmasters tradition, these speeches are intended to help members develop their ability to organise their thoughts quickly and respond confidently.
​
Table Topics typically begin after the prepared speech presentations and covers a variety of topics. The Chair of the meeting will introduce the Table Topics Master, who will give a brief description of Table Topics and then call on respondents (guests or members) at random.  

There isn't perfect way of tackling table topics, however the following advice may help you get used to idea. 

Don't Panic

Table topics may seem daunting at times. All alone, on stage, with no idea what say next. All eyes are focused on you, piercing stares just waiting to the debacle that will happen. But never fear, the unknown is simply something yet to be discovered and not to be feared. 

"NOTHING IS NEW UNDER THE SUN"
- KING SOLOMON

Table topics can vary widely, however each set of Topics should have a theme. Spend some time beforehand to reflect on the theme and recall a joke, a story, or funny event that somewhat fits the theme. You're looking to talk about something familiar. 

Repeat the question

Why?

1. It gives you a little extra time to think about where you can go with the question.
2. It serves as the transition to what you really are going to talk about. You can think of it as the springboard to your real answer.​
3. Tying your answer back to the original question makes your response seem focused.

Bridging

​Bridging gets you from what you don’t know...to what you do know through the figurative building of a bridge – a sentence you use to connect the unknown to the known.

Topic:  Your car didn’t start this morning. How would you trouble-shoot it? 

   Problem:  You don’t have a mechanical bone in your body. You don’t even pump your own gas – you’re a nurse. 

   Solution:Find a way to “bridge” from what you don’t know (fixing cars) to what you do know (mending humans)

Response​: “Not being a mechanic, I would imagine fixing a car to be like fixing a human. First you must diagnose the problem...​”

​Reframing

Redefine the topic as you believe it should be, or at least the way you’d like it to be. Keep the structure but alter the subject. Rephrase the question or even challenge it; explain why the question given is not the right question at all!

Topic: Explain why carrots are your favourite food

   Problem: You hate carrots

   Solution: Create a situation where you would like carrots

Response: “I am a carrot farmer, everyday it's carrots, carrots, and more carrots. The only thing they're good for is money...”

Let's Talk

Moderator (Point/Counterpoint)

Rather than take a stance on the topic​​, take the middle road and represent both sides. Be Oprah Winfrey, the impartial moderator.

Topic: Should smoking in public be banned? 

Response: “On the one hand we all know...(45 seconds). But then again, consider the flip side... (45 seconds). Choose your ending: Do this. Do that. Do both. Do nothing.”

The Melodrama

Take the audience into your mind as you reason, out loud, the answer to the question. Don’t just simply recount an experience; take us there, immerse us in the experience and relive it with your entire body.

Topic: In order to get your driver’s license, you must take the skeptical driving instructor for a drive.

Response: “The moment our eyes met, we both know we were doomed. Instructor Scooter was the most terrifying examiner in the country, and I am the most skittish driver on this side of the border”

The Far Side

Take your topic to extremes. If you’re telling a story, it will become a tall tale. If your topic has drama, you’ll heighten it to melodrama.

Topic: Should we raise taxes? 

Response: “Absolutely. Not only should we raise taxes, but just think of the benefits we’ll achieve when we raise the tax rate to 98 percent. We’ll have all the money we need for programs, defense and government. We can bail out everybody! We won’t need banks and investment counselors. Nobody will have money to shop, so there’ll be fewer TV commercials and billboards. Won’t life be wonderful?”

Play the Devil's Advocate

Takes a position opposite of the topic and run with it for the sake of argument

Topic: Should the government spend more money on education? 

Response:“No, I say we give some money to the game developers instead! Let me tell you why...” 

Say Nothing

This should be a last resort option, should the time come, and you can't think of a single idea. Speak at length about nothing...Speak but don’t say anything. Use a string of openings, small talk, clichés or even gibberish. 

Topic: “To be or not to be”

Response: “I thank you for asking me that profound question. To be or not to be. (pause) 

To BE or not to BE 

To be or NOT, to be. That is the question. 

Or is it? 

Is it or is it Not, that is to Be…determined.”

Just Practice

Make use of everyday situations to practice telling a story. Use your alone time to practice giving Table Topics answers. Refine the story and keep track of the more entertaining answers and keep them in the back of your mind for future ideas. 

Lastly remember content is only part of the presentation. Body language, inflection, nuance and other embellishments all contribute to a successful topic response.