Toastmaster-of-the-Evening (TME)
You are the emcee.
The Toastmaster-of-the-Evening (TME) is a meeting’s director and host. You won’t usually be assigned this role until you are thoroughly familiar with the club and its procedures.
Begin preparing for your role several days in advance. You can use the Toastmaster's Check List to help you prepare. You’ll need to know who will fill the other meeting roles and if a theme is planned for the meeting. You’ll also need an up-to-date meeting agenda. Get this information from your VPE.
As the TME, you’ll introduce each speaker. Introductions must be brief and carefully planned. Contact speakers several days before the meeting to ask about:
- Pathway and level
- Project and speech titles
- Assignment objectives
- Speaker’s personal objectives
- Delivery time
You need all of these elements to create your introductions. Remember to keep the introductions between 30-60 seconds in length. We typically use the POETS method to introduce speakers:
P Pathway, Level and Project Title (eg. Presentation Mastery Pathway, Level 1, Project 1 Icebreaker)
O Objectives (you may invite the evaluator to read out the speech objectives printed in the meeting agenda)
E Evaluator
T Timing sequence (e.g. green light at 5 min, yellow light at 6 min, red light at 7 min and 30 seconds later, bell signal)
Title of speech
S Speaker's introduction and name
To avoid awkward interruptions or gaps in meeting flow, plan remarks you can use to make smooth transitions from one portion of the program to another. You may not need them, but you should be prepared for the possibility of awkward periods of silence.
The Big Show
On meeting day, show up early. You’ll need time to make sure the room is set for a successful meeting. To start, check with each speaker as they arrive to see if they have made any last-minute changes to their speeches – such as changing the title. Their evaluation forms should have been sent to their respective evaluators prior to the meeting.
You and the speakers will need quick and easy access to the lectern. Direct the speakers to sit near the front of the room and make sure they leave a seat open for you near the front.
When it’s time to start the program, the meeting Sergeant-At-Arms (SAA) calls the meeting to order. He or she will initiate a round of introductions for all meeting participants before introducing you.
When you’re introduced, welcome everyone to the meeting and announce any changes to the meeting program.
Pay attention to the time. You are responsible for beginning and ending the meeting on time. You may have to adjust the schedule during the meeting to accomplish this. Make sure each meeting segment adheres to the schedule. If time allows, you can make some brief remarks about Toastmasters’ educational program for the benefit of guests and new members before you move forward with the introductions.
It is customary for the Toastmaster and the person assuming control of the lectern to exchange a handshake. You will lead the applause before and after each speaker and evaluator. When each presenter has finished, you return to the lectern so the speaker can be seated and you can begin your next introduction.
At the conclusion of the prepared speech segment, evaluation segment and table topics segment, request the timer’s report and invite the audience to cast their votes for the Best Speaker, Best Evaluator and Best Table Topics Speaker. Only speakers who spoke within time are eligible for voting. The SAA will assist in the collection of votes and inform you of the voting results.
Invite the club President to present ribbons to the those voted as Best Speaker, Best Evaluator and Best Table Topics Speaker as well as tokens to all visiting toastmasters. The President will conclude with the Closing Address.
Make any announcements for upcoming events and adjourn the meeting.
Serving as Toastmaster is an excellent way to practice many valuable skills as you strive to make the meeting one of the club’s best. Preparation is key to your success.