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Join our meeting and learn the art of hosting from Elliotte Mao, leader and humorous speech champion of Great Bay Area. She’ll share tips for keeping a discussion lively, welcoming, and on track.
Want to try your hand at hosting? Volunteer to be one of our four Table Topics Masters, in English or Mandarin, and get live feedback from Elliotte on what worked well and what you could polish. It’s a rare chance to get coached by a champion before your next party, meeting, or family dinner!
Here are a few Table Topics hosting tips I’ve picked up:
1. Keep it brief: Explain the activity simply: “I’ll ask a question. Just share whatever comes to mind for a minute or two!” Keep your own comments short too. You’re the host, not the bonus speaker.
2. Keep it fun and easy: Choose enjoyable questions and bring a little enthusiasm. Save the questions about the meaning of life for another day.
3. Invite people to speak: Don’t let the room’s silence become the main event. Start with volunteers, and gently invite someone if needed.
4. Thank each speaker: Even a cheerful “Great answer, thank you!” helps everyone feel appreciated.
5. Help speakers wrap up kindly: If someone runs over time, politely guide them to finish.
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Want to improve your Mandarin or English, build confidence, and connect with a supportive community? Join our bilingual Toastmasters meetings, where members practice speaking and leadership skills in both languages.

When & Where:
Every Tuesday via Zoom, with hybrid meetings twice a month in San Francisco
6:00–7:30 PM PT (room opens at 5:45 PM for warm-ups and networking)

What to Expect:

  • Prepared Speeches: 5–7 minutes using the Toastmasters Pathways program
  • Table Topics: 1–2 minute impromptu speeches in English & Mandarin
  • Evaluations: Helpful feedback on grammar, delivery, timing, and more

Guests are always welcome and it’s free! Drop by, participate, or simply observe. Take the first step toward becoming a confident communicator and an effective leader.

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