How to Find a Theme for a Toastmasters Meeting

Toastmasters International is dedicated to helping people across the world learn better public speaking skills. This nonprofit organization is made up of independently run local clubs that are each responsible for their own memberships and for running their own meetings. If you are in charge of planning a local Toastmasters meeting, coming up with a theme can help the planning process. Themed meetings are easier to plan and can be more effective for members.

• 1

  Incorporate upcoming holidays or significant celebrations. For example, around the Fourth of July, the theme can be patriotism.

• 2

  Make the season the theme. For example, during the long, cold months of the winter, liven up the dreariness with a theme like Winter Wonderland.

• 3

  Revolve your Toastmasters meeting around something from history, such as the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Or, ask your members to dress--and act-- like historical figures.

• 4

  Incorporate popular culture into your Toastmasters meeting. Ask your members to dress like television characters or movie stars. You can also choose a medium, such as television, movies or literature. If you have a small group, ask everyone to pick a character from the same show, movie or book, and make that one piece of popular culture the theme of the meeting.

• 5

  Ask your members for suggestions for the theme. Let everyone offer an idea, and then choose one yourself or hold a vote. This will get your members more involved and make your job a little easier.