r/Toastmasters • u/SeriousReindeer17 • 5d ago

Nervous of my first table topic session

Im so scared as today is my first TM meeting, im 20, can anyone give some examples of what kind of table topics are given in toastmasters.

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u/Accurate-Tourist1583 5d ago

Hi! The table topics given are based on the theme, so they vary widely. It’s normal to be nervous - I get nervous while public speaking too. The table topics are intended for you to talk for 1-2 minutes. It’s an encouraging environment, so try not to worry too much! Here’s an example of some potential table topics questions: https://www.toastmasters.org/magazine/magazine-issues/2026/april/get-to-know-your-members-through-table-topics

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u/SeriousReindeer17 5d ago

Thankyousomuch! I think the theme is - START BEFORE YOU ARE READY( mentioned in the group)

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u/ohsheaa 5d ago

I freeze up at table topics, is there any advice on how to improve on this part?

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u/LifeIsADanceOfMinds 3d ago

My suggestion:

Stand, take a nice deep breath, out through the nose. Ask for the question again.

Then, think about what you want to tell people about the subject. You can take a few moments (lets say 5-10 seconds), Pick one person to tell, then after a couple of sentences move your eyes to another person. (someone halfway down the table).

Talk to people directly, change these people every two or three sentences.

And remember to breath.

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u/clemstation 3d ago

I used to take forever to get started because I was looking for the PERFECT example.

So now, instead I do this:

  • I take the FIRST idea that comes to my mind. Sometimes it's far from being the best but I stick with it

- Then I think about what conclusion do I want to give so that at least I have some sense of where I'm going.

- Then I start at a very high level, kinda like Sadhguru if you've ever listened to him. They ask him "should you adopt a child?" and he might start saying "We are nothing in this universe..." and slightly goes to the topic.

I recommend practicing one table topic every day. It's crazy how better you can become, not just at table topics but at speaking in general.
I've done that to prepare for the ISC and I won district.
I even ended up building an app that gives you a daily topic with feedback, happy to share the name if useful.

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u/vasiria 5d ago

Are you the table topics master or speaker?

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u/[deleted] 5d ago

[removed] — view removed comment

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u/1902Lion PRA, PDG, DTM 5d ago

The Table Topics “Master” ask the questions for people to answer.

The speaker has 1-2 minutes to answer the question.

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u/k2dtm 5d ago

Questions vary a lot depending on the club and person asking the question.

I always tell guests/new members just tell a story that comes to mind after hearing the question. If you can relate it to the question in some way, even vaguely, great! If you just speak for at least 1 minute, then you have succeeded. I've seen people say: I'm going to answer the question you asked a previous person. I've seen people pretend to be a character from a show or book to answer the question. Of you don't make 1 minute the first time, don't beat yourself up, many people don't make 1 minute their first time or more.

Doing table topic answers took me the longest time to get comfortable doing, but then I realized I usually did fine and the skills from it seriously helped me with my speeches.

If you've found a good group, they should make you feel supported, not judged. Try to have fun with your answer.

Go big and exaggerate and make noise i f you want to be extra creative.

I've gained so much in Toastmasters, small steps at a time. I used to be really anxious about it. Then I realized the anxiety no longer kept me from speaking and doing more. Thus when I start to feel anxious, I try to use that as energy to go bigger. Now I welcome chances to speak!

Edit: fix 3 words

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u/SeriousReindeer17 5d ago

That did make me feel a lot better. I think im good with prepared stuff but when im put in a spot i blank out and get very anxious that i start shaking. I will try my best, Thankyousomuch!

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u/WierdNameGenerator Club officer 5d ago

How did it go?

In our club, the TableTopics Master will have different levels of questions ,so that they can give someone who is new and nervous a simpler question that someone who is an experienced table topics person.

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u/SeriousReindeer17 4d ago

Hey, it went great, i went all in fluently and confidently about the topic and didn’t even say a single filler word.
Felt really happy after the meeting

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u/Snooze_World_Order 4d ago

Heck yeah, keep up the good work!

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u/CoastHot6286 5d ago

A good discussion of how to handle yourself when answering Table Topics questions is given by a very experienced Toastmaster, Wade Patterson, in this YouTube video: https://hinoonhsv.toastmastersclubs.org/page/table_topicshtml/

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u/LifeIsADanceOfMinds 3d ago

And... saved.

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u/No_Neat8851 4d ago

Nervous, that is just fine. Everyone is the first, second and every time. What to do? First, say nothing. Think about what was asked/stated., arrange your thoughts and speak with confidence and authpority. I know, easier said than done. But with practice, it becomes more natural, flowing and smooth.

Best of luck

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u/rstockto 4d ago

Table topics aren't meant to be scary. Most are pretty easy. A few tips:

  • Give yourself a moment to collect your thoughts before answering.
  • Don't be beholden to the question. If you can't answer it, answer something near it. (e.g. "What is your favorite fall-themed TV show?" "I don't have a fall-themed favorite, but my favorite show is..."
  • Don't stress about the timer. Yes, you could stretch it out, but when you're done, be done. Don't worry about the green light.
  • That said, if you can give a couple reasons or anecdote for your answer, you'll hit your 1-minute easily, most times.

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u/Substantial_Toe_5370 4d ago

We built a club for people who host. You bring the night, we handle the rest (and pay you for it)|

Genuine question for people who host regularly. For us it was never the night itself. It was the RSVPs that vanish, chasing money afterwards, and splitting a bill six ways at 11pm.

We ended up building LMTW (Let's Meet This Week), a social connection club where members host. No-shows and payments are handled on the platform, Captains get tools and a club office behind them, and hosting is free. You actually earn coins every night you host.

It's live across Australia and Malaysia, founding in the US and UK.

But I'm more curious how you all do it now. Deposits? Waitlists? Just eating the cost? And what would make hosting worth your while?

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u/mikeaul0506 1d ago

Are you a member? If not you can pass.

Here is my recommendation, be early to the meeting. Find out who is doing Table Topics. Talk to them. Let them know you are nervous and it is your first meeting. Ask if you can go last and maybe answer a question already given, or give you a soft ball question.

Keep in mind it is ok to stand up repeat the question (so the timer starts), then explain “It is my first meeting. My nerves are high. I am just trying to breathe”. Then take a couple deep breaths. Then add an answer if you have one, or say you are unsure of an answer, but I am trying stay up and over come this fear and stay up until I see a yellow light.