1

Roles in Toastmasters

Ah Counter |

General Evaluator |

Grammarian |

Sergeant At Arms |

Timer |

Toastmasters of the Evening |

Table Topics Master |

Word of the Day|

Word of the Day

Word of the Day / Evening

Objectives
At each Toastmasters meeting, our club includes a "word of the day" as part of its agenda. The purpose of the Word of the Day is for all members to learn a new word (or a frequently mis-used word), apply it during the meeting, and hopefully retain it for future use.

Choosing a Word of the Day is a fine art. It should be challenging but not impossible. If you can, choose a word that fits with the Toastmaster's theme for the meeting.

Benefits
This role offers an opportunity to members to sharpen their listening skill, improve their vocabulary and allow them to deliver a short, prepared comment at the beginning of the meeting and extemporaneous comments during the language evaluation/spot the word segment.

Guide / Dos

• Choose a Word of the Day / Evening, preferably a verb or adjective. Or a word that has been misused or confused with a similar sounding word.
• Look up the word’s official meaning and pronunciation in a dictionary.
• Prepare 1 or 2 sample sentences to show how the word can be used in the meeting.
• If possible (but not critical), find out the origin of the meaning.
• At the meeting, share the word, pronunciation, origin of meaning, definition and sample sentence(s).
• Encourage fellow toastmasters to use the Word of the Day/Evening in their speeches.
• Count the number of times the Word of the Day/Evening is used during the meeting.
• Record members who use the Word of Day/Evening and thank members who make an effort during the Language Evaluation/Spot the Word segment. Correct the use of the word if necessary.

Don’ts

• Do not select an obscure word (eg ‘synapse’) and have little potential for practical use (eg ‘onomatopoeia’) or words that are used commonly in daily conversation (eg ‘surprise’).

                     
Resources

• Print or write the word in LARGE letters on two pieces of paper or write the word on a white board.
• Before the meeting, tape one paper to the front of the lectern (or on white board) and one to the table opposite the lectern.
• Pen, Paper, Tape

WORD OF THE DAY / SPOT THE WORD Sample Script

Toastmaster of the Evening, Fellow Toastmasters and Guests, I am here to share with you the Word of the Day/Evening. The Word for the Day/Evening is _______________ (point to the word, define it, share samples of sentences).

I encourage everyone to try to use this word in your speeches. I will keep track of all those who use the word. I will also report on colourful, descriptive words and phrases for Spot the Word Segment.