Table Topics for Toastmasters

Turkeys

2009-11-06T05:54:00.000-08:00

What is the most unique way you have ever prepared a turkey? How did it turn out.

What other foods have you enjoyed for Thanksgiving dinner? What will you have this year?

Why do they call him "Tom Turkey?" Can you think of any better names for a turkey? What if it is a hen?

Compare a turkey dinner to a turn-key operation. Which is better?

What are some of the ways you use leftover turkey?

Have you ever used or heard used "you turkey" as a negative referring to a person? Where does that come from? Why is someone a "turkey" and not some other animal?

Vacations

2009-07-27T23:52:00.000-07:00

Our club's theme this week is "vacations." That leads me down a path of curiosity about vacations past, present, and future.

1. What is the strangest vacation you ever experienced? What made it strange.

2. What was your most memorable vacation? Why?

3. What is your dream vacation? Describe it.

4. If you were to take 3 people from history with you on a vacation, who would they be? Why?

5. What do you enjoy doing most on vacation.

6. Tell us a story about a vacation disaster?

7. Was there every a vacation in your memory that had some unexpected twists and turns?

8. What are your vacation plans for this summer?

Swine Flew

2009-05-01T05:28:00.000-07:00

We are embroiled in some legitimate concern over the possibility of a swine flu pandemic and that is not really funny. However, the phrase calls to mind the adage about pigs flying. A flying pig is a symbol of an impossible event coming to pass.

This brings to mind some questions:

Is worldwide pandemic a flying pig scenario? If so, how do we respond? If not, how do we respond?

Have you ever seen a pig fly? What previously thought-to-be impossibilities have actually come to pass for you or around you?

What "pigs" in your life would you like to see fly? (in other words, what impossibilities would you like to see become possible)? What can you do to help them become possible?

You have heard the terms "worst case scenario" and "best case scenario." Choose a situation in your business environment that could go either way and describe your responses and the possible outcomes.

Has Spring Sprung?

2009-05-01T05:21:00.000-07:00

What are your favorite springtime activities? What makes them special to you?

Are there some things you tell yourself every year that you will do in spring but never get around to doing? Why?

Spring has actually been with us for a while. Are you behind? How? Why?

What role do seasons and deadline play in your life and planning?

Springtime

2009-03-13T05:35:00.000-07:00

"You have to take the bad with the good," is an old saying that may apply to the apparent marriage of the beauty of spring and the introduction of pollens into the air that make me sneeze. What are some good/bad mergers that you have experienced or observed and what attitudes have helped you to deal with them?

Springtime in Fresno is a welcome respite between the fog or winter and the smog of summer. What are some of your favorite things about Spring?

Spring cleaning is a reality in some people's lives. What is the relevance of spring cleaning in your life?

Is spring just a summer "wannabe" or does it have a value all its own? You are a representative of summer and you want to argue that spring is the margarine of the butter industry. Present your argument for the superiority of "the real thing."

Springtime is often seen as a time of new beginnings and hope. What would be some signs of springtime in our economy?

Do you have allergies? What are some remedies that you use and how do they work for you?

We moved the clocks forward last weekend and lost an hour of sleep. How does that affect you? What are your thoughts on the pros and cons of Daylight Savings Time?

What are some of your favorite songs about spring? Why do they stand out for you?

Dear Winner

2008-11-06T10:37:00.000-08:00

Bob Schmob has just been elected to the seat of County Poo Pah in a close and bitter election. You did not vote for him. Rather, you voted for Slim Slickman. However, you are a good sport, good citizen, and believer in our system and want to work with the new Poo Pah, so you have extended your hand across the room. What do you wish to say to Bob?

1. What are 3-5 things you want Bob to remember about your community?

2. What are 3-5 ways you are willing to help and support Bob?

3. What are 3-5 areas where you would like for Bob to give special attention?

Cold Weather

2008-11-06T10:34:00.000-08:00

1. Finish this sentence: It is cold outside, but warm _______________________. Why did you say that?

2. What are some things you enjoy doing in cold weather than you can't do in warm weather?

3. What are your favorite rainy day activities?

4. How do you feel about the one week change in Standard time? How does it effect you and others?

5. Do you have any special plans to play in the snow this year? Do you have any special snow memories or aspirations?

Post Election Table Topics

2008-11-06T10:25:00.000-08:00

1. Now that the elections are over, what will you miss most? What are you happiest to give up?

2. What process did you utilize to understand obscure initiatives and make your decisions?

3. How do you decide between candidates for lesser known elected offices?

4. Do you ever communicate with people who have lost or won elections to congratulate or console? How you phrase one of these letters of encouragment?

Halloween Topics

2008-10-31T06:02:00.000-07:00

1. What is the silliest, scariest, or most unique costume you ever wore for Halloween?

2. What is the best treat you ever received while on a "trick or treat" mission? What was the worst? What did you always hope you would get?

3. If you could dress up like any great American this Halloween, who would it be and why?

4. Tina Fey comes to your door asking for candy tonight. You say, "I know that's you, Sarah." What does she say? Alternative: Who would you least expect to come to your door tonight and why? How would you respond.

5. If a presidential candidate came to your door tonight, what questions would you want them to ask you and what would you like to ask them?

6. What great character from history would you like to see at your door tonight with a "trick or treat" bag. What would you like to ask them?

Helpful Hints

2008-01-04T15:02:00.000-08:00

The purpose of this blog is to offer helpful hints to Table Topic Masters for their next meetings - especially when they are in a panic for tomorrow's meeting.