Warm Up Master Tips Present topics that are broad enough in nature as to not intimidate a nervous, new guest. Try to give each speaker as much latitude as possible. Your task is to make people feel welcome, not to challenge them. That is the role of the Table Topics Master. Try to keep to the theme of the meeting. Although this is not mandatory, often the warm up sets the tone for the rest of the meeting. Introducing the topic does not end your task. It is up to you to direct each speaker in turn. You should stay on the stage and conduct which speaker is to speak next. It is a good idea to remind the meeting that applause should be reserved until the last speaker as this will expedite the proceedings. Each speaker should speak for no more than one minute and preferably for thirty to forty-five seconds. Ask the timer to tap a glass at one minute and tell the meeting that this is the signal to wrap up. You may consider conferring with the Table Topics Master prior to the meeting to ensure that your talking point will not conflict with one or more of his or her topics. Total time for the session: 12-14 minutes Back to meeting roles