Introduction
Table Topics are exhilarating and challenging, and let’s be honest—they can be downright nerve-wracking. For us in District 22, serving Kansas and Western Missouri, Table Topics isn’t just a fun exercise—it’s our secret weapon. It’s where we sharpen our wit, polish our speaking skills, and sometimes, let’s face it, learn to roll with the punches when things don’t go as planned.
Now, I’ve had my fair share of those moments. Back when I was living in South Central Missouri, I competed in District 8’s Table Topics Competition. I managed to win at the club, area, and division levels, which felt like a big deal then; I was just a greenhorn in my freshman year as a Toastmaster. But when I got to the District level? I learned that even the best-laid plans can take a tumble. That story—and the lesson that came with it—is a tale worth sharing, and it might just be the kind of insight your club would benefit from.
In this post, I’ll share some hard-earned wisdom to help you nail your Table Topics, whether competing or just having fun in your local club.
Understand the Question
First things first—you need to understand the question before you can respond well. Sounds simple, right? But you’d be surprised how easy it is to trip up here.
Listen Like It’s Your Job
You’ve got to listen carefully—carefully. Every word count, especially those sneaky little negatives or qualifiers, can change the whole meaning of the question. Trust me, I’ve been there. There’s a world of difference between “What are some challenges you can overcome?” and “What are some challenges you can never overcome?” Skip a word, and you might go in the entirely wrong direction.
Give Yourself a Second
When the question hits, don’t feel like you must jump in immediately. Take a breath. Let it marinate for a moment. This pause is your friend—it’s the space where you make sure you’ve got the question nailed down. If you’re unsure, ask for a repeat or a clarification. I promise no one will fault you for wanting to get it right.
Context is Key
Sometimes, the question comes with a background or context that can make your answer shine. It could reference something historical or a specific situation. Recognizing that can be the difference between a good answer and a great one. And hey, acknowledging the context shows that you’re not just listening—you’re thinking.
Choose Your Approach: Breadth or Depth
So, you’ve got the question down—what’s next? Now, it’s time to figure out how you will tackle it. You’ve got two main strategies: cover a lot of ground briefly (breadth) or dive deep into one or two points (depth).
Covering All the Bases
If you’re going for breadth, you aim to quickly touch on a few different points. You’re asked, “What do you enjoy doing in your free time?” A breadth answer might be something like, “I’m a bit of a jack-of-all-trades. I love hiking and reading science fiction, and I’m not ashamed to admit I’ve got a bit of a green thumb.”
Going Deep
On the other hand, if you want to focus on depth, pick one point and dig in. For the same question, an in-depth answer might be, “There’s nothing I love more than hitting the trails. Hiking clears my mind and challenges my body. It’s where I get my best ideas and feel the most connected to the world around me.”
Choosing between breadth and depth depends on the question and what you feel comfortable with. With practice, you’ll get a feel for which approach works best in different situations.
Organize Your Thoughts
Now, here’s where you make sure your answer isn’t just a jumble of thoughts. Even in your short time, a little organization goes a long way.
The Quick and Easy Structure
– Opening: Start by repeating or working the question into your opening line. It shows you’ve got the question down and gives your audience a heads-up on what’s coming.
– Body: This is where you flesh out your answer. Whether you’re going for breadth or depth, make sure you’ve got a couple of solid points or details to back up what you’re saying.
– Conclusion: Wrap it up by summarizing your key points. Bring it home with a strong ending that reinforces your main idea.
Why It Matters
When you organize your response, you’re doing yourself a favor—you’re less likely to lose track of what you’re saying, and your audience will find it easier to follow along. Plus, a well-organized answer sounds more polished, which never hurts.
Delivering Your Response
Alright, you’ve got your answer ready—now it’s showtime. Here are a few tips to help you deliver it with confidence.
Eye Contact: Make the Connection
Making eye contact can feel intimidating, especially if you’re nervous, but it’s one of your most powerful tools. It helps you connect with your audience and shows confidence. If staring directly into someone’s eyes feels a bit much, try looking just above them or at their eyebrows—it gives the same effect without the pressure.
Vocal Variety: Keep It Interesting
Even if you’ve only got a minute or two, how you say something can be just as important as what you say. Use vocal variety to keep things interesting—change your pitch, pace, and volume. And don’t underestimate the power of a pause. It gives your audience time to digest your words and emphasizes your points.
Body Language: Let It Speak
Your non-verbal cues can say a lot. Stand tall, use natural gestures, and avoid those nervous habits like fidgeting. You want your body language to match the confidence you’re projecting with your words.
Conclusion: A Lesson Worth Sharing
For us in District 22, Table Topics isn’t just a part of the meeting—it’s a critical tool for becoming a more effective communicator. My journey through District 8’s Table Topics competition taught me some tough lessons about preparation, quick thinking, and the occasional stumble. That day, I took a tumble at the district level. It was a humbling experience that taught me a valuable lesson about resilience and adaptability.
And here’s where I’d like to make a call to action: if you’re curious about what happened and how I turned that stumble into a stepping stone, I’d love to share the full story with your club. Through the Speaker’s Bureau, I’m available to give a 5–7-minute speech that dives into the details and offers actionable insights for anyone looking to improve their impromptu speaking skills. It’s a story filled with humor, humility, and lessons that could benefit every Toastmaster.
So, if you want to hear more, don’t hesitate to reach out. Let’s connect, share stories, and keep pushing each other to grow as communicators. After all, every Table Topic is an opportunity to learn—whether you’re winning or taking a tumble along the way.
Kirby S. Ingles
A Taste of Success (ATOS) https://atasteofsuccess.toastmastersclubs.org
C: (217) 851-0865
kirbyingles@gmail.com