Table topics
The table topics session is one of the most exciting and fun parts of the meeting. Benefits of taking part include
» More practise at speaking
» Learning to speak off the cuff
» Thinking quickly and clearly under pressure
» Discovering ideas for later speeches!
Answering table topics can be awfully nerve-wracking but it does not need to be difficult. The key is practice.
The first thing to do is stop escaping every table topics question that comes your way and start leaping to the floor and bowling your audience over with enthusiasm! It is the best method of improvement.
You do not need to start speaking as soon as you are introduced. It is perfectly acceptable to wait a few seconds to collect your thoughts before responding.
All you really need is one idea, which should probably be the first relevant one that pops into your head. But don't just say it and then sit down! The key to table topics is this: turning that one idea into a mini-speech.
Your little molehill can become a mountain
You need a strategy that makes the most of your random idea. And the first step is to avoid giving it away in the first ten seconds.
Rather, build up to it with an introduction of some kind, such as a question, observation or setting of the scene. You can even cunningly divert attention away so that when you go on to present your idea it comes as more of a surprise.
Once you have done this, you can present the idea itself. But - again - don't just just say it. Rather, try to think of a way to embellish, embroider and expand on it as fully and originally as you can.
Finally, rather than just sitting down, try and round off with some kind of conclusion - the very least you can do is very briefly summarise the idea again. If possible, you might even think of some relevant concluding observation, question or comment with which to leave your audience.
So each table topic response is like a mini-speech, with an opening, body and conclusion, and as much creative expansion as you can squeeze in along the way.
The method described above makes the whole table topic easier to deliver. You only need one idea, and it hardly matters what that is. The build-up, embellishment and conclusion will all come with practice.
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