In Table Topics you are given a question you have never seen and a minute or two to answer it. It is the part of the meeting that new members fear most, and the part they end up enjoying most.
It is also the most useful. Interviews, meetings and everyday conversations are all impromptu speaking.
Buy yourself three seconds
Repeat the question out loud, or say "That's an interesting one." It sounds natural, and it gives your mind time to pick a direction.
Use a simple three-part structure
- Answer: say your main point in one sentence.
- Reason or story: give one reason, or tell one short story that supports it.
- Close: repeat your main point in different words and stop.
That is enough for a clear answer of about a minute.
You don't need the best answer. You need one answer, said clearly.
Pick a side quickly
Most questions have no right answer. Choosing fast and committing is better than weighing both sides until your time runs out.
Stop when you are done
The hardest part is the ending. When you have made your point, finish your sentence, smile and sit down. A short, complete answer beats a long one that fades away.
