Overview

“Grammarian” and “Ah Counter” are two separate roles. In the Lake Ridge Club, however, one person often assumes both positions. The duties and responsibilities of both are outlined below in sample language you might use to explain the role(s) to the audience at the beginning of the meeting should you have that responsibility at a Toastmaster meeting.

Grammarian

As grammarian, I will be listening to the way we express ourselves as we speak. I will report on improper word usage as well as any expressions that may be especially outstanding in a positive way. Because we are always attempting to broaden our vocabulary, I would like for us to try to incorporate this Word (see instructions below) into our speeches. At the end of the meeting, I will report who was successful in using the word properly.

Ah Counter

As Ah Counter, I will be listening for the fillers in lieu of pauses, such as “ers,” “ahs,” “you know.” I will also be listening for the over-use of connectors such as “and” and “so” which string many sentences together instead of properly stopping one sentence and beginning another.

Word of the Day

It is the responsibility of the Grammarian to introduce a new word to the club at each meeting. The club has a stack of words from which you may make a selection, or you may present one of your own choosing. Verbs and adjectives are the best, for they can more easily be incorporated into various speech topics.

When presenting the Word of the Day, be sure that you can pronounce it, know its meaning, and use it in a sentence to help the audience understand its usage more clearly. Write it boldly on a sheet of paper/cardboard that can be posted for all to see. If you have access to a copier, it may be easier to have copies for each attendee, or at least each table, for easy reference by the audience. If you select a word from the club’s supply, place the card in front of the lectern at the front of the room (or other space designated by the Toastmaster of the Evening).

Reporting Results

After the speech evaluations, the General Evaluator will call upon you to give a report. By individual Toastmaster name, (1) give the ah counter report, stating what you heard and how many [for example, Karen had 5 “ahs” and 2 “you knows”]; (2) give your grammarian’s report, stating what errors you heard and what especially good phrases or expressions they said; and (3) tell which Toastmasters used the word of the day properly and how often.

If the roles of Grammarian and Ah Counter have been divided, the Grammarian reports on numbers 2 and 3 above. The Ah Counter reports on number 1.

Building Your Listening Skills

Listen to and report on everyone who speaks … not just those who give prepared speeches, but also the Toastmaster, Table Topics Master and those he/she calls upon, the General Evaluator and the Evaluators. No one is excluded, but if you don’t hear anything on which to report, don’t call everyone’s name and report that you heard nothing.

This is a learning experience to develop your listening skills. You won’t hear everything. Just report on what you do hear. Each time you perform this role, you will improve.