London Cardinals Toastmasters

Feature

The Discussion Leader

Speech objectives

1. The seminar solution (timed at 20-30 minutes)

• Present an introductory short talk or brief lecture describing a theory, model or information about a topic that will be discussed by a group following the presentation
• Organise the information so that it is easy to understand and can be remembered
• Orient the group to think about the specific goal of the discussion that follows
• Use a buzz session discussion technique to promote group participation in deriving information leading to a solution to the problem
• Group size: club members
• Materials: flip chart, grease pencil, six notepads and pencils

2. The round Robin (timed at 20-30 minutes)

• Establish the meaning of a question with a discussion group
• Using a problem solving pattern, lead the participants in a brainstorming session
• Screen the possible solutions and lead the group in deciding what action to take
• Group size: club members
• Materials: flip chart, grease pencil, pad and pencil

3. Pilot a panel (timed 30-40 minutes)

• Select a problem for panel discussion. Select not less than three members in advance to speak on the panel
• Define the common goals and the purpose of the panel
• Acting as a moderator, monitor the panel discussion to inform the audience
• Group size: One discussion leader and three panelists selected in advance from among the club members. Club members who participate as panelists will receive credit for other basic or advanced manual projects that relate to the purpose of the individual presentations eg speaking to inform, the persuasive speech, constructing your speech, clarify your meaning, etc

4. Make it make-believe (role playing) (timed at 20-30 minutes)

• Understand what role playing is and how to use it effectively in group communication
• Select a problem involving human relations in which you may use the role playing method to illustrate and explore the problem
• Create a plot and characters relevant to the discussion problem and select a cast from among the group members
• Direct the role play enactment, relate it to the discussion problem, and lead the group in arriving at a solution
• Group size: One group leader and participants selected in advance from among the club members
• Material: flip chart, grease pencil

5. The workshop leader (timed at 30-40 minutes)

• Building group unity, guide the workshop participants in an investigative discussion of the problem
• Follow a problem solving pattern to arrive at a solution
• Bring the group to an agreement before the discussion ends
• Group size: One discussion leader and club members
• Materials: flip chart, grease pencil