And Ah - Grammarian

It is very important for the Toastmaster of the Day ( TMotD ) to confirm participants are planning to attend so he/she may adjust the agenda if necessary.

If you are not going to be able to attend the meeting and fulfill your role, PLEASE notify the TMotD of your replacement by noon on the Monday before the meeting. It is your responsibility to find a replacement for your position on the agenda. It is recommended NOT to utilize standard e-mail communications to secure your replacement. Instead, review the three-month rolling schedule and see if you can find a replacement for your position on the agenda. A higher success rate of finding a replacement has been found by picking up the phone and making a few calls to other Toastmasters who would welcome the opportunity and swap for a future role. Once you find your replacement (or are unsuccessful after moderate attempts), please call the TMotD immediately so he/she may make any necessary adjustments to the agenda.

PURPOSE:
Although Grammarian may be seen as a "minor" role, it is a serious speaking opportunity, which can make an important contribution to the meeting. The Grammarian has two duties. Reporting on any interesting, unusual or effective uses of speech and also on and grammatical errors or "inappropriate" use of language. Also note words and sounds used as a "crutch" or "pause filler" by anyone who speaks during the meeting. Words may be inappropriate interjections such as "and," "well," "but," "so," "you know." Sounds may be "ah," "um," "er." You should also note when a speaker repeats a word or phrase such as "I, I" or "This means, this means." Tuesday Toasters refers to the latter as "double dribbles".

PRIOR TO THE MEETING:
Prepare a brief but thorough summary of your role as And/Ah Grammarian that explains your role in the program to visiting guests.

AS YOU ARRIVE AT THE MEETING:
Get a copy of the "And/Ah Grammarian's report from the Sergeant at Arms for use during the meeting. Ask the Toastmaster of the day for a copy of the meeting agenda and begin filling in the names of the participants.

DURING THE MEETING:
Throughout the meeting, listen carefully to all of the speakers and keep track of the types of grammatical errors and filler words using your And/Ah Grammarian report form. Near the end of the meeting, the Toastmaster of the Day will ask you to report your findings. Tuesday Toasters levies a fine of ten cents per item, up to a maximum of five or fifty cents.

Do not attempt to record all of the UM's and AH's as this would take intense concentration and is rather less-important than picking-up effective uses of language. Be sure to give correct usage of words or phrases that you have noted that a speaker has misused.

When called upon you for your report, you may stand beside your seat or come to the front of the room to the lectern. Before you begin your report, you should precede this by a brief explanation of your role. During your report, if any member has exceeded five filler words or other grammatical errors, simply report that the member has "maxed out" instead of announcing the number of infractions.

If you assume control of the lectern, remain there after you have finished your report until the Toastmaster of the Day returns, at which time you shake their hand and return control of the meeting by saying, "Madame or Mr. Toastmaster," remaining at the lectern until she/he arrives; shaking hands and then return to your seat.

AFTER THE MEETING:
Give you completed And/Ah Grammarian report form to the Secretary to be placed with the meeting minutes.