Sometimes something is so obvious that you never think of doing it. This tip is all about remembering to do the blindingly obvious when you are in danger of being selected for a table topic…
1. Don’t Panic
The Table Topic Master gets up and casts his (or her) evil eye around the room, his eye rests on you, several times….
“Oh no, that’s it, it’s only a matter of time, I’m going to be picked, maybe if I try to hide, or I could look down at my notes and look busy, as long as they can’t catch my eye, I’m safe.
What? Did he just say my name?
Pretend you didn’t hear, keep writing, don’t look up. Oh no, he’s said my name again, but I don’t know the question , I didn’t hear it, what am I going to say? Where’s my inhaler? This is going to be a disaster….”
This is not a good approach, instead:
2. Listen
Listen to the question being asked, actually listen, don’t waste valuable time trying to hide or using your willpower to try and make the table topic master choose someone else. Do something positive, listen.
On your shoulders is the fastest processing machine in the world, faster than any computer and you waste vital processing time by panicking(don’t pick me, don’t pick me, don’t pick me).
Instead you should open your mind, listen to the question, look out for the key words and allow your mind to use word association to pop images and ideas into your head, these images and ideas can form the basis for your speech.
3. BSB – Breathe, smile, begin
Breathe in, breathe deeply, allow the oxygen to fill your lungs, to stimulate your mind and to relax you.
Smile, and let the smile spread through your body, enjoy the smile and standing up there because this, this is fun. It will also make you look confident and in this game attitude is everything.
Then, and only then – Begin.
Utrecht TM
Club president
Peter
Dermot
ZoriZ
adebusoye
