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Table Topics® Practice for Toastmasters Members

In Table Topics® you receive a question and speak for one to two minutes with no preparation. This page lets you practise the format between club meetings.

This drill uses no prep and a two-minute limit, so you can rehearse hitting the green light and finishing before red.

Default settings: no preparation time, 2 minutes to speak,PREP structure.

Prep
Speak

No preparation time · 2:00 to speak · Uses your microphone. Audio is sent only for transcription and is not stored.

100 Table Topics®-style questions

  1. 1Tell us about a time you got completely lost.Storytelling · medium
  2. 2What is the most important lesson life has taught you so far?Table Topics · medium
  3. 3Share a story about a moment you were surprised by a stranger.Storytelling · medium
  4. 4If you could give one speech to the whole world, what would you say?Table Topics · medium
  5. 5Tell us about the first time you earned money.Storytelling · medium
  6. 6What does courage look like in everyday life?Table Topics · medium
  7. 7Describe a time when a plan went completely wrong.Storytelling · medium
  8. 8Talk about a time when silence was the best answer.Table Topics · medium
  9. 9Tell a story about a lesson you learned from a child.Storytelling · medium
  10. 10What would you like to be remembered for?Table Topics · medium
  11. 11Share a moment when you had to be brave.Storytelling · medium
  12. 12Which is more powerful: a good question or a good answer?Table Topics · medium
  13. 13Tell us about a time you laughed at the worst possible moment.Storytelling · medium
  14. 14What is one thing you would never do again?Table Topics · medium
  15. 15Describe the day you met one of your closest friends.Storytelling · medium
  16. 16How do you decide who to trust?Table Topics · medium
  17. 17Tell a story about a journey that changed you.Storytelling · medium
  18. 18What does it mean to live a good life?Table Topics · medium
  19. 19Share a time when you had to make a quick decision.Storytelling · medium
  20. 20What is the difference between being busy and being productive?Table Topics · medium
  21. 21Tell us about a time you disagreed with someone you respect.Storytelling · medium
  22. 22What is a belief you hold that most people disagree with?Table Topics · medium
  23. 23Describe your most embarrassing moment and what you learned.Storytelling · medium
  24. 24How has technology changed the way we listen to each other?Table Topics · medium
  25. 25Tell a story about something you built or made yourself.Storytelling · medium
  26. 26What makes a speech unforgettable?Table Topics · medium
  27. 27Share a time when you helped someone without them knowing.Storytelling · medium
  28. 28When is it right to walk away?Table Topics · medium
  29. 29Tell us about an unexpected phone call.Storytelling · medium
  30. 30What would you say to your eighteen-year-old self?Table Topics · medium
  31. 31Describe a day that started badly but ended well.Storytelling · medium
  32. 32What is something you have always wanted to try but never have?Table Topics · medium
  33. 33Tell a story about an object you have kept for years.Storytelling · medium
  34. 34Why do people fear public speaking more than almost anything else?Table Topics · medium
  35. 35Share a time when you were proven wrong.Storytelling · medium
  36. 36What is the most valuable thing money cannot buy?Table Topics · medium
  37. 37Tell us about your first day at a new school or job.Storytelling · medium
  38. 38How do you stay motivated when nobody is watching?Table Topics · medium
  39. 39Describe a moment when you felt completely out of your comfort zone.Storytelling · medium
  40. 40What does leadership mean when you have no title?Table Topics · medium
  41. 41Tell a story about a family trip that did not go as planned.Storytelling · medium
  42. 42Describe the best team you have ever been part of.Table Topics · medium
  43. 43Share a time you received help when you needed it most.Storytelling · medium
  44. 44What is the hardest word to say in any language?Table Topics · medium
  45. 45Tell us about a competition you entered.Storytelling · medium
  46. 46If today were a chapter title in your life, what would it be?Table Topics · medium
  47. 47Describe the best surprise you ever planned.Storytelling · medium
  48. 48What do you think people will laugh about from our time in fifty years?Table Topics · medium
  49. 49Tell a story about a time the weather changed your plans.Storytelling · medium
  50. 50Tell us about a door you are glad you opened.Table Topics · medium
  51. 51Share a moment when music meant something special to you.Storytelling · medium
  52. 52What is a small decision that changed everything?Table Topics · medium
  53. 53Tell us about a time you had to apologise.Storytelling · medium
  54. 54What does it mean to be a good listener?Table Topics · medium
  55. 55Describe a time you had to learn something very quickly.Storytelling · medium
  56. 56Why do we remember stories better than facts?Table Topics · medium
  57. 57Tell a story that explains why you are the way you are.Storytelling · medium
  58. 58What is one thing every community needs?Table Topics · medium
  59. 59Share a moment when you realised you had grown up.Storytelling · medium
  60. 60How do you handle criticism?Table Topics · medium
  61. 61Tell us about a rule you broke and what happened next.Storytelling · medium
  62. 62What is the best way to say no?Table Topics · medium
  63. 63Describe the most interesting conversation you had with a stranger.Storytelling · medium
  64. 64What is a promise you have kept for a long time?Table Topics · medium
  65. 65Tell a story about a pet or animal you will never forget.Storytelling · medium
  66. 66When did you last do something for the first time?Table Topics · medium
  67. 67Share a time when you chose the harder option.Storytelling · medium
  68. 68What makes a great mentor?Table Topics · medium
  69. 69Tell us about something you lost and later found.Storytelling · medium
  70. 70What is the price of convenience?Table Topics · medium
  71. 71Describe a moment you felt truly part of a team.Storytelling · medium
  72. 72What does home mean to you?Table Topics · medium
  73. 73Tell a story about a meal that went wrong.Storytelling · medium
  74. 74How would you explain your job to a five-year-old?Table Topics · medium
  75. 75Share a time you were inspired by someone younger than you.Storytelling · medium
  76. 76What is the most underrated virtue?Table Topics · medium
  77. 77Tell us about a time you had to speak in front of people without warning.Storytelling · medium
  78. 78What is worth waiting for?Table Topics · medium
  79. 79Describe a door that opened when another one closed.Storytelling · medium
  80. 80If you could master one conversation, which conversation would it be?Table Topics · medium
  81. 81What do you know now that you wish you had known earlier?Table Topics · medium
  82. 82What is the difference between confidence and arrogance?Table Topics · medium
  83. 83What has social media taught you about people?Table Topics · medium
  84. 84What is something you are grateful for today?Table Topics · medium
  85. 85What is the value of doing things the slow way?Table Topics · medium
  86. 86Is it better to be right or to be happy?Table Topics · medium
  87. 87What is a risk worth taking?Table Topics · medium
  88. 88How do you recover from a bad day?Table Topics · medium
  89. 89What deserves more attention in the news?Table Topics · medium
  90. 90What would your ideal community meeting look like?Table Topics · medium
  91. 91Why do some traditions survive and others disappear?Table Topics · medium
  92. 92What should everyone try at least once?Table Topics · medium
  93. 93How can we make meetings more meaningful?Table Topics · medium
  94. 94What does it take to change a habit?Table Topics · medium
  95. 95What is your personal definition of freedom?Table Topics · medium
  96. 96Which is harder: starting something or finishing it?Table Topics · medium
  97. 97What makes someone a good guest?Table Topics · medium
  98. 98What can we learn from people we disagree with?Table Topics · medium
  99. 99How do you know when you have made the right decision?Table Topics · medium
  100. 100What would you change about the way we celebrate birthdays?Table Topics · medium

How to practise

  1. 1

    Aim for the green light

    Table Topics® responses are typically one to two minutes. Aim to be past one minute and finishing before two.

  2. 2

    Buy a breath with the question

    Repeating or reframing the question gives you two seconds to think and orients the audience.

  3. 3

    Answer, story, close

    State your answer, illustrate it with a quick story, then return to your answer. PREP in miniature.

Recommended answer structure

PREP

Best for: most impromptu questions

  1. 1Point
  2. 2Reason
  3. 3Example
  4. 4Point again

State your answer, give one reason, prove it with an example, then repeat your answer. The default structure for almost any unexpected question.

Example answer to “Should everyone learn to cook?”

  1. PointYes — I think everyone should learn at least five basic meals.
  2. ReasonBecause cooking gives you control over your health and your budget.
  3. ExampleWhen I moved out, learning to cook cut my food spending almost in half.
  4. Point againSo yes: five meals, and you are independent for life.

FAQ

Is Speak Unprompted affiliated with Toastmasters?+

No. Speak Unprompted is an independent practice tool and is not affiliated with Toastmasters International. Table Topics® is a registered trademark of Toastmasters International.

How long is a Table Topics® response?+

Typically one to two minutes.

Can a club Table Topicsmaster use this?+

Yes. Use the generator and list for inspiration when preparing questions for your meeting.

Speak Unprompted is an independent practice tool and is not affiliated with, endorsed by or sponsored by Toastmasters International. Table Topics® is a registered trademark of Toastmasters International.

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