Friends, Romans, Countrymen

One of the most awkward challenges for a new Toastmaster are the various greetings one must learn. When a Toastmaster speaks at a meeting, they greet the other participants early in the speech. The exact introduction depends on who has control of the meeting. If you are not sure what role the person is fulfilling, follow along on the agenda.

If you are the speaker, your greeting will sound like this:

“Thank you, Madam (Mr.) Toastmaster, fellow Toastmasters and honored guests.” [The "thank you" is optional]

If you a table topics speaker, your greeting will sound like this:

“Thank you, Madam (Mr.) Topics Master, fellow Toastmasters and honored guests.”

If you on the evaluation team, your greeting will sound like this:

“Thank you, Madam (Mr.) General Evaluator, fellow Toastmasters and honored guests.” Sometimes an evaluator will add "and especially you [speaker's name here]"

The purpose of the greeting is multi-faceted. You are acknowledging that the "chair" of the meeting, i.e., the Toastmaster, General Evaluator, Presiding Officer, has given you control. It's also a transition to you "taking the stage." Finally, it's a way of being courteous and acknowledging the meeting participants.

If you are new to Toastmasters, don't be intimidated. Practice greetings and ask for help. It's a great skill that will help you outside Toastmasters as well.

Shaun