Quizmaster

Quizmaster is an excellent role for a new member to begin immediately participating in club meetings.

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As Quizmaster your task is to create five or six questions to test the audience’s listening skills, and then ask the audience the questions you have developed. This role helps you develop both your listening and facilitation skills, and it provides an opportunity for everyone at the meeting to actively practice and test their listening skills.

Facilitation is different from delivering a speech because you need to be comfortable standing in silence in front of an audience waiting for an answer and being in the moment.

Presenting to a silent audience can make you feel uncomfortable; a few seconds may seem like an eternity. However, once you master the art of being in silence it will make you a better speaker because it will allow you to eliminate filler words like “ums” and “ahs”.

Upon arrival at the meeting, have paper and pen ready to make notes. During the meeting, jot down simple questions based on what was said during the meeting.

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Sample Questions

• Where is the area contest going to be held?

• During Susan’s speech, what was the name of her husband?

• What award did Ross win?

• Who said “_______”?

Near the end of the meeting, you will be called to stand and conduct a short question and answer period. Once you are introduced, thank your introducer (the toastmaster of the day or general evaluator), concisely explain your role as quizmaster, then pose your questions to the entire audience.

You should allow approximately 5 to 10 seconds per question and answer. Expect the audience to rapidly called out answers. When you hear the correct answer do your best to acknowledge the person who answered the question. If no response is given, or all the responses given are incorrect, simply provide the answer and move on to the next question. When your time is up, briefly thank the audience for their participation and pass control of the meeting to the person who introduced you before being seated.

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Tips and Other Important Points

• The questions should be based purely on the audience’s ability to listen and pay attention.

• It is good to ask questions on important points that were covered during the meeting. For example, “According to Hildegard’s educational session, why is it important to stay on time?”

• The questions are not about testing the audience’s skills with details, should not be trivial, and should concentrate on speakers’ key points or important details.

• Use your imagination to make the role both entertaining and a good review of important points covered during the meeting.

• Challenge yourself based on your experience and skill level. For example, work with point form notes or possibly even no notes at all.

• Relax and have fun!

• If the meeting is running overtime, keep your report short by asking fewer questions.

 

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