Spicing Up Your Meetings
The Power of Themes
Ever feel like your Toastmasters meetings are a bit…well, routine? Inject some much-needed spark and pizzazz by introducing themed meetings!
A theme provides a unifying thread that can elevate your club’s atmosphere and make each gathering memorable. The beauty lies in the flexibility:
- Simple & Fun: “Pets,” “Food”, ” Hobbies”– these lighthearted themes offer easy entry points for members and guests.
- Deep & Meaningful: “Personal Growth,” “Self-Development,” “Overcoming Challenges” – these more complex themes encourage deeper reflection and insightful discussions.
Once you’ve chosen a theme, let it permeate the entire meeting:
- Invocation: A quote or thought of the day related to the theme
- Toast: A tribute to some aspect of the theme of the day
- Word of the Day: A word that relates to the theme, encouraging members to use it creatively every time they speak at a meeting
- Introduction Question: A question that prompts members to share a personal connection to the theme.
Table Topics Take Flight:
Table Topics questions should directly relate to the theme, sparking lively and engaging conversations. For example, if the theme is “Travel,” questions could include:
- “Share a memorable travel experience.”
- “Describe your dream travel destination.”
- “If you could travel back in time, where would you go?”
Evaluation with a Twist:
Evaluators can incorporate the theme into their feedback. For example, if the theme is “Leadership,” they might comment on how well the speaker demonstrated leadership qualities in their speech.
Special Events Galore:
Themes are invaluable for creating special club events:
- “Open House” Theme: Welcome new members with a festive atmosphere.
- “Humor” Theme: Celebrate the lighter side of life with funny speeches and games.
- “Movie” Theme: Enjoy everyone to come dressed as a character from a favourite movie
Have Fun and Watch Your Meetings Come Alive!
Experiment with different themes and discover which ones resonate most with your club. The key is to embrace the creative spirit and let your imagination run wild. Themed meetings will not only enhance your club’s energy but also provide a unique and enriching experience for all members.
To help with selecting themes, ask club members for their ideas, utilize Chat GPT or Google Gemini, or visit this LINK ( a list of several themes courtesy of the Prince George Toastmasters).
Remember to:
- Choose themes that are relevant and engaging for your club.
- Involve all members in the planning and execution of themed meetings.
- Most importantly, have fun and enjoy the creative process!
Twila Tayfel
D42 Dispatch Co-Editor