When you are Toastmaster - You're running the show!  
Way to Grow!

The Toastmaster's job is to insure the main part of the meeting is well run and upbeat.  The Toastmaster is also responsible for keeping the meeting on time and making sure all the jobs are filled. 

The primary duty of the Toastmaster is to act as a genial host, introduce the speakers in such a way as to make it easier for them to do their best and for the audience to listen with attention and anticipation. The Toastmaster creates an atmosphere of interest, expectation, and receptivity.

Before the Meeting: 

• Several days before the meeting (Sun and Monday evening), call all people on the agenda to make sure they will be there and are aware of their jobs.  If someone can not do a job they have been assigned, you must make sure an alternative has been found to do the job.
• Get info from the speakers for an introduction and have the times of the speeches for the timer.
•  Alternate Speakers should be contacted first as replacements for Speakers.
• Feel free to contact the VP Education for names of members who are next in line for a particular position.  Don't hesitate to ask the President for advice or assistance too.
• Contact the VP Education with any meeting changes to the participants, so s/he can update the agenda prior to printing the agenda for the meeting. 
• Obtain from each Speaker his/her manual title, project number, project objectives, speech title and biographical data for your introduction, OR confirm that the speaker will be providing you with a written introduction that includes all of this information. It's easier for the members to better evaluate a speaker if they know about the objectives of the speech.  State the Title of the Speech just prior to welcoming the Speaker.
• Obtain biographical data on the Table Topic Master and the General Evaluator. 
  Plan your introductions carefully. Introductions should be no longer than one minute. Read "How to Introduce a Speaker" in your Communication and Leadership manual. Be sure you know the rank (CTM, ATM, DTM, etc.) of each person you are introducing. 
  

At the Meeting:

• Arrive before the meeting begins, and take a seat close to the front. 
• Make sure all program participants are in attendance. If some fail to show up, appoint replacements prior to the start of the meeting. 
• Make a note any NEW toastmaster.
• If the speeches are longer than normal be prepared to shorten the break.
• Be prepared to eliminate or stretch the Table Topics session as required.
• When the President turns control of the meeting over to you, walk quickly to the lectern and shake hands.  You are in charge of the meeting. Address the group as follows: "Thank you Mr./Madam President. Fellow Toastmasters and Honored Guests," (and newest member...)
• YOU ARE IN CHARGE OF THE APPLAUSE. You are the first one to start the applause, you are the leader.  Keep applauding until the person has reached the podium to shake your hand, or until the person has returned to their seat.  
• NEVER LEAVE THE PODIUM EMPTY.  Lead the applause and always be there until you have shaken someone's hand then sit down once they are at the podium.
• Use the  Agenda as a checklist to keep the meeting on schedule. 
• Make brief bridging comments between meeting segments to keep the meeting flowing.
• Immediately after each presentation,  lead the applause as you return to the lectern to shake the Speaker’s hand.
•  Ask members to take one minute to fill out evaluation form. Do not talk during this time.
• Once the Speeches are completed, specify a time for the break and ask the Timer to to time the break.
• After the Break introduce the first evaluator.
• The Table Topics Master may look to you for a signal when to stop or if to go one with another table topic.  Be aware of the time.
• Work through the rest of the agenda in the same manor, introducing each Participant.
• The last task you have is introducing the General Evaluator. (The General Evaluator turns the meeting back to the President)
• Ideally everyone should have a chance to speak. Have a couple of simple table topic questions ready to ask those who have not had a chance to speak.
  (Any member hasn't been given a chance to speak at the meeting,  leaves the meeting with an incomplete or unchallenged feeling and this can cause the club to lose members.)
  

TIP: To give yourself the 'voice of authority' let the last word of your sentence end on a downward note of your voice, lower than the rest of the sentence.

Make notes for yourself and if you are new to this position, a little practice first gets those butterflies flying in formation!

The General Evaluator may have some tips for you at the end of the meeting.