Overview of Functionary Roles

This page contains a general description of the functionary roles of the Toastmaster meeting; for important information on fulfilling your meeting role refer to the Functionary Responsibility Page.

Toastmaster

The main duty of the Toastmaster is to act as a genial host and Master of Ceremonies for the meeting. The Toastmaster introduces participants, fosters an atmosphere of interest, expectation and receptivity, and keeps the meeting moving at a constant pace.

Invocator

The Invocator begins the meeting on a motivating note. The invocation can be read, spoken from memory, or performed with visual aids and might consist of a poem, short reading, or quote.

Table Topics Master

The Table Topics Master prepares interesting topics for one to two minute impromptu responses. Table Topics has a two-fold purpose: to give everyone in the room an opportunity to speak (especially those who are not on the program agenda) and to provide a forum for members to practice "thinking on their feet".

Speaker

A major portion of each meeting is the prepared speeches. These speeches are prepared based on manual project objectives and timing.

Evaluator

The purpose of the Speech Evaluator is to provide honest reaction in a constructive manner to a speaker's presentation, using the evaluation guide provided. The evaluator will practice listening and observation skills and provide written and oral feedback. The role of the evaluator is to strive to help the speaker become less self-conscious and encourage good techniques. Achievement equals the sum of ability and motivation. By actively listening and gently offering useful advice, members are motivated to work hard and improve.

Timer

Recording and reviewing timing helps with the goal to express thoughts and conduct a meeting within a specific timeframe. The timer is responsible for explaining the timing rules of each meeting segment, recording the time of each speaking participant, and providing visual feedback indicating minimum, median and maximum elapsed time. The timer will provide an oral report of each participant's speaking time.

Grammarian

The grammarian will practice listening skills. The responsibilities of this functionary role is 1) to introduce new words to members, and 2) to comment on the use of English during the course of the meeting. The grammarian selects a "Word of the Day", gives a brief definition and prepares a sentence showing how the word is used. Members are encouraged to use the Word of the Day throughout the meeting and the grammarian keeps track of who uses the word, how many times it was used and if it was used properly. Additionally, the grammarian notes interesting phrases and excellent word usage as well as any awkward use or misuse of the language (incomplete sentences, incorrect grammar) and the use of "filler" words or phrases (ahs & ums). An oral report to the club is given during the evaluation segment of the meeting.

General Evaluator

The general evaluator is just what the name implies - an evaluator of anything and everything that takes place throughout the meeting. The General Evaluator is responsible for the evaluation team, which consists of the timer, the grammarian and the speech evaluators. He/she introduces the evaluation team to give their reports and provides a summary report of the meeting.