Wordmaster Role

MEETING DUTIES: WORDMASTER

Before the meeting

1. Choose a ‘word for the meeting’. For the duration of the meeting, all members should try to use the word appropriately as often as possible. Normally the word should be challenging but useful, for example a word that is at the limits of the average person’s vocabulary. A word with more than one usage, or derivatives, provides more varied opportunities for use
2. Familiarise yourself with the dictionary definition of the word, and potential uses of the word.
3. Write the word in large letters on a piece of white card. If possible, write the word on both sides of a ‘tent’, so that the word can be seen by the audience and the person at the lectern (See attached template.).

During the meeting

1. When asked to do so by the TME in his/her introduction to the meeting, announce the word and place it on the rack on the speakers table.
2. Define the word for the audience, and give examples of usage if appropriate.
3. Indicate any derivations of the word that may be accepted in place of the source word.
4. Keep your introduction to no more than 2 minutes
5. Record each time the word is used, and by whom.
6. When asked to do so by the TME near the end of the meeting, report on who has used the word, and how often. Keep this brief, 1 minute, including um/ah reporting if you are doing that.
7. The wordmaster may also point out, any important errors in the use of language (grammatical, pronunciation, etc.) that have been made by members (but not by guests) during the meeting.

MEETING DUTIES: UM/AH COUNTER (OPTIONAL)

During the meeting

1. The Um/Ah counter records each time a speaker utters an um, ah, er, etc.
2. When asked to do so by the TME near the end of the meeting, report on the use of ums and ahs, pointing out any excessive use and, conversely, those who have managed to get through the evening with minimal transgressions- but see comment on timing above.