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Educational - Grammarian

Overview

There are two key requirements for the role of Grammarian. Introducing a new word to your club members and secondly, reporting back to them on their use of language, grammar and memorable lines. However, listening carefully the most important part of the Grammarian’s role. You need to listen carefully to every speaker.

Getting Organised

• Choose a suitable ‘word of the night’ that can be used by the members and has an interesting origin or meaning.
• The 'word of the night' should have a positive or informative meaning. Negative, unfriendly or aggressive words are likely be ignored or used sparingly by the speakers.
• Make sure the word is not too difficult or odd. Your intention here is to encourage your club members to use the word in their speeches so really unusual or specialised words will very likely be ignored by the speakers. A word that is occasionally used in normal conversation generally works well.
• It is important that you display the word clearly around the meeting room.
• Your chosen word should be printed onto an A4 or larger sheet. Use the biggest font you can fit. Anything less than 70 point font size may be difficult to see.
• Put the meaning of the word and some examples of its use on the sheet. Make this font as large as possible also. Your aim here is to be able to see the information on the sheet from the back row of the meeting room.
• Make sure you take 3 or 4 copies of your word sheet to the meeting.
• Locate the copies around the room so the audience and the speaker can see at least one display sheet easily. One sheet taped to the front of the lectern is a good way to remind the audience of your chosen word.
• You will now be able to see the importance of text size, colour and font style.
• Ensure you have a Grammarian Report form from the folder in the cupboard before the meeting starts. This form will help you develop the report that you will be delivering to the audience in the second half of the meeting.

The Grammarian’s Introduction

• Always follow good Toastmaster protocols.
• Address the audience in the normal manner; 'Madam or Mr Toastmaster, fellow Toastmasters and welcome guests'. (if there are any)
• If there are any guests you can, at this point, very briefly describe to them the role of the Grammarian.
• Read to the audience the word you have chosen and explain its history and some examples of use as written on your display sheet.
• Ask your club members to use the word as much as possible and remind them that you will be counting the number of time the word is used.
• Tell your audience what you will be listening for. This may be the use of um, ah and er. The filler words you will be noting may also include and, well, so and you know. You may also advise the audience that you will be listening and noting the use of repeat words as well.
• It’s also helpful to tell the Toastmasters present that you will be recording interesting uses of grammar and memorable lines.
• The introduction part of your role is now complete.
• To signal to the audience and the Toastmaster that you have finished you can close your report by saying for example; 'That concludes my Grammarian report'.
• Make eye contact with the Toastmaster or gesture toward them and say; 'Madam or Mr Toastmaster'.
• Wait for them to arrive at the lectern, shake hands and then take your seat. Your job is done.

Listening carefully throughout the meeting is a critical requirement of the Grammarian. Your role is to guide and assist your fellow Toastmasters to improve their grammar, language and speech habits. Being a courteous and helpful Grammarian will ensure your role is successful.

If you want to do something different to the above, talk it through with your Mentor and the meeting Toastmaster.

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