Table Topics is where members practice thinking on their feet, and for many guests it's the most memorable part of the evening. As Table Topics Master, you prepare the questions, introduce them, and decide who speaks. Here's how to run a session people enjoy, with 40 questions you can use tonight.
What the role involves
You'll usually have 10 to 20 minutes. Each speaker answers for 1 to 2 minutes, so plan for one person every 2 to 3 minutes once you've allowed for transitions.
How to prepare
- Check the schedule, and avoid calling on anyone with a major role tonight
- Prepare a few more questions than you need
- Keep each question short enough to remember
- Pick a theme if it makes the session more fun
In Toastmanagers, the full role list for the meeting is on the schedule, so you can see at a glance who already has a speaking part.
A sample opening
"Table Topics is our chance to practice speaking without preparation. I'll ask a question, then invite someone to answer for one to two minutes. If you're a guest, you're welcome to join in, and it's completely fine to say no thanks. Our Timer will show green, yellow, and red."
Ask the question first, and then say the name. That way everyone in the room thinks about their answer.
40 Table Topics questions
Easy openers
- What's the best meal you've ever had?
- What would you do with an extra hour each day?
- Which season suits you best, and why?
- What's a small thing that always cheers you up?
- Which job would you try for one week?
- What's the best gift you've ever received?
- What did you want to be when you were ten?
- What's your favorite way to waste time?
- Which place would you visit again tomorrow?
- What's a skill you'd like to learn this year?
Storytelling
- Tell us about a time you got lost.
- Describe your first job.
- Tell us about a teacher you still remember.
- What's the worst advice you've ever followed?
- Describe a time a stranger helped you.
- Tell us about a meal that went wrong.
- What's the bravest thing you've done?
- Describe a moment you changed your mind.
- Tell us about something you once lost and found.
- What's a tradition from your family?
Opinions
- Should every student learn a second language?
- Are meetings better in person or online?
- Is it ever right to tell a white lie?
- Would you rather be early or exactly on time?
- Should phones be banned at dinner?
- Is the customer always right?
- What should every adult know how to do?
- Is it better to be a specialist or a generalist?
- Should we work four days a week?
- What's overrated?
Just for fun
- You've been given a pet dragon. What are the house rules?
- Convince us that Monday is the best day of the week.
- Sell us this pen.
- You're mayor for a day. What's your first law?
- Explain the internet to someone from 1850.
- What would your cat say about you?
- Invent a new holiday and tell us how to celebrate it.
- You've found a door in your basement. What's behind it?
- Give a toast to the humble paperclip.
- Accept an award for something you do every day.
Keeping it inclusive
- Start with an experienced member, so newer people can see how it works
- Give nervous members an easy, personal question
- Make it clear that guests can always pass
- Spread the questions around the room
Keeping time
Stop when your time is up, even if you still have questions. In Toastmanagers, the Meeting timer can log each Table Topics speaker individually, so the timing log shows every answer.
Keep Table Topics on Time
Log each Table Topics speaker in the built-in Meeting timer, and review the full timing log afterward.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I give speakers their question in advance?
Not usually. The point is to practice answering without preparation.
How many questions do I need?
About six for a 15-minute session, plus a couple of spares.
What if a member freezes?
Offer a friendly prompt, or simply thank them warmly when they sit down. Trying is the whole point.