Counter Role Description

In CATM's streamlined executive meeting structure, the Counter is responsible for quantitative evaluation and also tallies votes for Best Speaker and Best Table Topics Speaker.

Some clubs divide the CATM Counter's duties into as many as three separate roles (Ah Counter, Timer, and Vote Counter). We feel our adjustments make for a more efficient and modern meeting style where each participant receives the maximum return on investment of time.

Please note, however, that CATM meetings occasionally will have a dedicated Ah Counter or Grammarian-Ah Counter; when this is the case, the Counter will only need to keep track of time and votes.

A fundamental goal of Toastmasters is to teach people to express thoughts within a specific time interval. As Counter, your main job is to monitor the time each Speaker and Table Topics Speaker uses and to cue them as they pass the set timing milestones.

When there is no dedicated Ah Counter or Grammarian-Ah Counter, the Counter assumes most of the Ah Counter function. When speaking, people often use such “crutch” words or fillers as “ah”, “um”, “you know”, “well”, etc. They may repeat a word or phrase, such as “and, and”, etc. These vocalized pauses result from nervousness, lack of preparation, distractions, and many other causes and the speaker is not even usually aware that they are doing them. They are, however, quite annoying to listeners and they detract from the message the speaker is trying to convey, and they reduce the speaker's credibility.

The Counter counts such “crutches” to help speakers become more aware of them.

Vocalized pauses are less common in well-prepared speeches. In spontaneous speaking, such as that as is called for in the Table Topics segment, vocalized pauses are particularly prevalent, so the Counter must be sharp and attentive during the whole meeting.

Prerequisites

None.

Before the Meeting

• Confirm how much time each Speaker is scheduled to speak for.
   
• Prepare a brief explanation of your duties for the benefit of new members and guests.
   
• Arrive before the meeting begins and obtain the timing device (or clock and colored cue cards).
   
• If you have additional questions about using the ET-32P speech timer device, click here to read the users manual.
   
• Sit in a location where the Speakers will be able to easily see the timing device.
   
• If there is no Ah Counter or Grammarian-Ah Counter, examine the agenda and be ready to record all the vocalized pauses and "ticks" each speaker makes as soon as the meeting is called to order.

During the Meeting

• When called upon, explain the Counter role and show the green, yellow, and red lights of the timing device.
   
• Record each speaker’s name, time used, and the specific crutches they used and the number of times each crutch or vocalized pause was used.
   
• Indicate with green when a speaker has achieved the minimum time, yellow when it is time for them to begin wrapping up, and red for them to stop.
   
• When called upon to present Counter's reports, diplomatically mention any speakers that did not reach the minimum time or exceeded the maximum time. Except for when giving their very first speech, such speakers are not eligible for awards. Be sure that you have your facts correct for the speech each speaker is giving, as each speech has a different range.
   
• If any speakers have an excessive amount of "ahs" or other verbal crutches, you might simply say something like "those with over 10 vocalized pauses include Bill and Susan" to avoid embarrassing those members in the open forum. After the meeting you can tell them exactly how many they had.
   
• Collect and tally votes for Best Speaker and Best Table Topics Speaker and report them to the Toastmaster. In the event of any tie votes, the Toastmaster will decide the winner. Do not mention or characterize voting results to anyone besides the Toastmaster.