The Grammarian's Role & Report Form

Prior to the meeting:

• Confirm meeting role with the Toastmaster and/or General Evaluator.
• Select a “Word of the Day” or, if words are pre-selected, familiarize yourself with the meaning and usage. The purpose is to help increase our vocabulary. Look for words that will fit into normal conversation.
• Print the word, its part of speech and a brief definition, in letters large enough to see from the back of the room. Alternately, make a few copies to display around the room.
• Prepare a sentence showing how the word is used.
• Be prepared to explain the duties of the Grammarian.

Upon arrival at the meeting:

• Display the “Word of the Day” at the front of the room or around the room as appropriate.

During the meeting:

• Listen carefully to word usage.
• Write down any awkward use or misuse of the English language, including sentences that are incomplete or change direction in midstream, and the names of the persons who said it (excluding non-Toastmaster guests).
• Write down any creative use of English or descriptive language that enhances a speech, and the names of the persons (including any non-Toastmaster guests) using it.
• Record the members who used the “Word” or any derivative of the word for your report.
• When called on by the General Evaluator, give a report from your notes. When pointing out errors, offer a correct usage.
• The report should take no more than 1 minute. Your duty is to provide a report, not to give a speech or an evaluation.

A Grammarian's Report Form is shown here and is also printable from this link.

"Ah" Counter Meeting Role & Report Form

The Ah Counter is one of the functionaries at the meeting. The Ah Counter's responsibilities are to keep track of audible crutches, such as "ah," "um" or a "double clutch" (the repetition of a word while the speaker searches for his or her next thought.) Also, to note sentences strung together with “and,” “so” or "you know."

The purpose of “Ah Counting” is not to embarrass or criticize speakers – it is to give helpful feedback and thereby increase awareness of an area where improvement is possible.

The "Ah" Counter Report Form is available to be printed.