Table Topics
The impromptu part of a speaking club meeting: one question nobody has seen, and one to two minutes to answer it. Here’s how it works, and everything you need to practise.
- Who asksThe Topicsmaster
- How longOne to two minutes
- The lightsGreen at 1:00, amber at 1:30, red at 2:00
- PreparationNone: you hear the question and begin
Start here
- 1Table Topics questionsHundreds of questions, sorted by theme and difficulty, each ready to practise.Go
- 2How to answer Table TopicsA simple shape for any question, what to do in the first ten seconds, and how to finish on time.Go
- 3Table Topics GeneratorA random question and a timer with green, amber and red lights. No sign-up.Go
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4Running Table TopicsComing soonFor Topicsmasters: how to choose questions, introduce them and keep time.
What is Table Topics?
Table Topics is the impromptu speaking part of a Toastmasters club meeting, where someone answers a question they haven’t seen for one to two minutes.
It’s there to practise thinking on your feet: the skill you need when an interviewer, a manager or a friend at a wedding asks you something you didn’t expect. Most people find it the most nerve-racking part of the evening, and the most useful.
How a session runs
- 1
The question
The Topicsmaster reads out a question nobody has seen before.
- 2
The speaker
They call on someone, who walks up and starts talking.
- 3
The lights
A timekeeper shows green, amber and red as the minutes pass.
- 4
The applause
Everyone claps, whatever happened, and the next question begins.
Our questions, by theme
A Topicsmaster can ask about anything. These are the ten themes we sort our own questions into, from gentle personal ones to hard ones about opinion and the future.
FAQs
How long should a Table Topics answer be?
One to two minutes. Green shows at one minute, amber at a minute and a half, and red at two minutes. Aim to finish between green and red. Shorter settings here scale the lights to match.
What does the Topicsmaster do?
The Topicsmaster chooses the questions, introduces the session, calls on each speaker and keeps things moving. It’s a good first role for newer members.
Do I need to join a club to practise?
No. You can practise the same format on your own with the Table Topics Generator, out loud, as often as you like. A club adds a live audience and feedback from people.
Is Learn to Speak Easy part of Toastmasters?
No. Learn to Speak Easy is independent and isn’t affiliated with or endorsed by Toastmasters International. Table Topics is their name for this part of a meeting.