The Tabletopics section offers an opportunity for EVERY
PERSON in the classroom to be on their feet in a stimulating discussion of thought-provoking
subjects. Each comment of this topics session is a short, complete, impromptu-type
speech. Here is YOUR chance to learn to THINK ON YOUR FEET!
We are instructed in 1 Peter 3:15 to ". . . be ready always to give an answer
to every person that asks you a reason of the hope that is in you - . ." Be alert
and listen carefully as the Topicsmaster begins to introduce a topic. As he/she
asks the specific question, collect your thoughts quickly, and if you have a comment
to give, raise your hand enthusiastically. When the Topicsmaster recognizes you,
rise and address the chair, and if you have not previously done so that evening,
address the other fellow classmembers.
Avoid long, rambling comments. The best comments will average one minute
or less in length. Make your comment clear but concise, and be sure to comment
on the question asked by the Topicsmaster, not another question on a related topic
that you happen to know something about. Strive to volunteer so that the Topicsmaster
will not have to call on you in order to get you to comment.
In order to make a worthwhile contribution during Tabletopics, you need to
be informed about world news. Read a daily newspaper or a weekly news magazine.
Keep your mind active, and THINK about news events, analyzing them in specific
terms. Be able to back up your comments with concrete PROOF or clear LOGIC. Remember
that you will get out of the Tabletopics session ONLY as much as you put into
it. The key is PREPARATION AND PARTICIPATION.
Topicsmaster
As the Topicsmaster, it is your responsibility to plan and present an_interesting,
worthwhile, balanced program. Among your topics, there should be at least one
subject relating to a_recent news item and another topic relating to life/living
situations. The latter might be a question involving a seeming contradiction in
life, political or otherwise. Besides one of each of these two types of topics
you should include other usefuL topics, and at times a lighter one can spark up
the topics session. Avoid "picky" questions—especially on a Bible topic.
It is best to prepare MORE topics than you think you will actually use so
that you will not be caught short. Your Tutor may wish to check your topics before
the meeting, and it would be helpful to have extra ones in case he/she does not
recommend the use of one or two of them.
Continuity and good flow is important. Plan the session so that the topics
will be presenter in a logical order, but it will sometimes be necessary to say,
"Now to go on to another topic.. .. "If the response is not good for a particular
topic, do not drag it out. In this kind of situation you can either change
topics after one or two comments, or modify the topic slightly by rephrasing
it. You will sometimes be able to use one topic as a springboard for another.
You will find that the comments will be better, and the session will be more
interesting if you recognize volunteers, as much as possible, but you may have
to call_on reticent fellow classmembers who need encouragement to participate.
Endeavour to get EVERYONE on their feet during Tabletopics. You should rarely,
if ever, call on a fellow classmember to comment for the second time before everyone
has had an opportunity to comment at least once.
In introducing a topic, "set the stage" for the question so that the class
can anticipate the question for a few seconds and begin to prepare a response.
Generally you should avoid asking a question without any introduction, even though
this would be all right for certain types of topics. Be careful, however, that
you do not monopolize the floor in introducing the topics. Your job as Topicsmaster
is to help the class participants to respond with a good comment without focusing
attention on yourself. This is an excellent opportunity to learn the basis
of TRUE leadership—which is serving others!
The success of the session will depend not only on the QUALITY of the topics
you present, but also to a great degree on the way you present them and the personality
you exhibit in your presentation. SET THE EXAMPLE for the class in enthusiasm,
and this will help the others to give an enthusiastic response. Be alert, lively
and interested in their comments! When a comment is particularly good, you may
lead the class in applause. Remember that YOU, as the Topicsmaster, are responsible
for the success of this portion of the proceedings... This is all an hands-on,
training session for real life situations. And practice makes perfect!!! If you
will accept the CHALLENGE this assignment offers, and put yourself into it wholeheartedly,
you will gain valuable experience, and the whole classroom will profit!
|