A year into toastmasters and I remember being asked to take up the role of  the Toastmaster of the Day impromptu, with barely 30 minutes to prepare. I took it up grudgingly, performed grudgingly and when it was time for guest feedback, I vented about being asked to perform a role at such short notice.  The grammarian, DTM Gayatri who was also a guest at the meeting, in her stern voice said “this is what toastmasters is all about, you should challenge yourself to take up roles impromptu.”  Do you think I liked that comment?  NO way… I for one like to be prepared.  That day I returned home venting about DTM Gayatri, mimicking her stern voice and what she had said to me.

Days later contemplating on what DTM Gayatri had said, I realised that she in her stern voice had gently said “grab every opportunity you get.” I took it up as a challenge, and grabbed every opportunity I got to emcee an event or play toastmaster of the day. Many a times I stuttered, fumbled, grew weary, failed at it; but at the same time learned from the experiences. 

I learned to introduce fellow toastmasters, dignitaries, keynote speakers, trainers,  workshop presenters, panelists, contestants, guests,  family  & friends. 

I learned that it is important to get the introductions from the horse’s mouth, so I always ask for introductions. And when I am told “oh you know me” I try my best.  When I say get it the introductions from the horse’s mouth, I have received 2 pages long introductions… no offense, you know who you are and you also know I have barely 30 sec to 1 minute to introduce you, leaving me to decide on how to introduce you. Having said that, I have learned to stick to the introduction given, and not to mince words least I offend someone. This, I learned the hard way, having to pay a heavy price, apologizing in public. 

I have learned pronunciation is important especially the name of a person. I request audio messages to get the pronunciation right to avoid saying “apologies if I have not pronounced your name correctly”. Not just the name but every credential that I would say to introduce them, every abbreviation in its full form, I ensure I get it right. 

I have learned to attentively listen to what is said by the speaker so when the stage is returned to me I can summarize what was said. Now this is a skill you develop, it comes with practice.  Summarizing what is said is always appreciated by the speaker. Once again mincing words will not help, pick on a slogan from the speech/address/toast and repeat it while appreciating the speaker and calling for a round of applause. 

I have also learned that I have to inform the audience. Crystal clear announcements, is part of my job as the toastmaster of the day or emcee and thus I sit with the Vice President of Education/Event Chair/Organizers to discuss and understand the entire meeting or event. This includes the flow of the event.

I have learned that I am required to entertain the audience. Does not necessarily mean dance, sing or act,  but to infuse humor,  preferably self-deprecating, play a game, bring in a twist to the meeting.  Playing the role of an emcee at a social gathering calls for singing, dancing and leading the way, and I do all of that. 

I have learned I need to inspire  the audience; make the meetings or events interesting by interacting with the audience.  Theme meetings have been boring when I alone speak on the theme as if to say I am the expert on the topic, though I would have copy pasted the theme from the internet, and now AI.   Instead I choose a relatable theme giving an opportunity to the audience to interact, to voice their opinions which will inspire others in the audience, and finally leave the meeting with a call for action. 

I have learned to makeup for hiccups, to fall back on entertaining the audience while in waiting, to call upon fellow toastmasters to share their experiences, to call upon dignitaries to address the audience, to play games. Yet at times to maintain silence in waiting, as may be the case. 

I have learned to manage time, to start on time, to finish the meeting on time,  to ask for how much time do I have?.

I have learned being the toastmaster of the day I am the Captain of the meeting or event. All eyes are on me. So I dress to impress, suited & booted. (Ladies clad in their  hijabs, abayas or sarees, and to the speaker in dhoti, I salute you for how you carry yourselves gracefully and command the stage).  My confidence likes in my heals with which I maneuver the stage. I hold my head up, make eye contact, and wear a smile. 

I have learned, before I leave the stage, I need to thank the audience for being a wonderful audience and then sign off.

There is much more to this role of Toastmaster of the Day, I can write a book. As much as DTM Gayatri suggested that I should take up roles impromptu… I still feel the role of the toastmaster of the day requires preparation, to put out the best performance.   For now, you may want to learn from my experiences listed above. I will share more in the months to come. 

If this blog post has inspired you then join me at Kuwait Challengers Club,  a club that vows to transform fellow toastmasters through a supportive and positive environment, empowering you to develop communication and leadership skills, resulting in greater self-confidence and personal growth, which is the club mission of Toastmaster International. 

We meet on the 1st and 3rd Mondays of the month from 6 pm to 8 pm (GMT +3) at Al Mulla Exchange Head Office, 2 floor, Kuwait City and via Zoom through our hybrid setup. Contact me for more details. 

Meanwhile enjoy this blog post, like, comment, share, ask questions, share your experiences, inspire and be inspired!!Adaptation has become the new normal for countries all over the world. As Toastmasters, we adapted to online meetings in 2020. Now, a year later, another change—hybrid meetings. Health authorities across countries may gradually relax the restrictions on gatherings, but social distancing norms could be here to stay. Clubs should explore the format of hybrid meetings, which allows some members to meet in person, while the rest can join online and still feel part of the community.

Priscilla Dias, DTM has been part of Toastmasters for 7 years. During this time, she has taken up multiple leadership roles in the club and Area. Priscilla was crowned the District 20 Evaluation champion in 2023. She is a  member of Kuwait Challengers Toastmasters Club.