Table Topics guide

Table Topics is the part of the meeting where members practise impromptu speaking — answering a surprise question with a short, unprepared response of about one to two minutes. It's fast, friendly, and often the most fun part of the meeting.

Why it matters

Most of the speaking we do in real life is unrehearsed: answering a question in a meeting, giving a toast, thinking on your feet. Table Topics builds exactly that muscle, in a supportive setting.

How to answer

• Pause first. A few seconds to gather your thoughts is fine — it reads as confident, not slow.
• Take a position. Pick an angle and commit, even if you don't feel strongly. A clear opinion is easier to speak to than a balanced one.
• Use a simple structure. A handy one is PREP: state your Point, give a Reason, add an Example, then restate your Point.
• Tell a story. A quick personal anecdote is almost always more engaging than an abstract answer.
• Don't apologise. Skip "I don't really know about this" — just start.

For guests

Table Topics is optional for guests, but it's the easiest, lowest-pressure way to try speaking. Give it a go if you're curious — everyone in the room is rooting for you.