The Toastmaster of the meeting is the overall host, introducing all the items and linking them together.

Prior to the Meeting

• Study the agenda
• Decide if there is going to be a special theme for meeting. If there is, publicise it to the members
• Contact the Prepared Speakers. Ask for their speech details and some interesting information for you to use when introducing them
• Prepare introductions for each speaker
• Prepare remarks for the start and end of the meeting, and for between items
• Work with the VP Education to replace any speakers who cancel

During the Meeting

• Preside over the meeting with energy and decisiveness. The audience want you to be in charge!
• Do not miss anything. Items that are particularly easy to miss are:
  • timekeepers reports
  • requests to fill out comments slips
  • invitations to vote
• To avoid omissions, tick off each item as the meeting proceeds
• Create an atmosphere of interest and expectation for each speaker
• When introducing a speaker, it sounds good if the last thing you say is their name - enthusiastically!
• After introducing a speaker, lead the applause. Then remain standing and shake hands with the speaker - to signify that control of the meeting is being handed over
• When a speaker has finished, lead the applause again. Then stand up and shake hands with the speaker again - to signify that control of the meeting is being returned to you