next table topic
apply a frame wprk.
or talk about the concept:
- repeat question
- thinking up what to say on the spot with an audience watching you is a challenging task
- im thinking about about to jake itneasier
Table Topics
compiler
mkdir -p ./_latex_auxilliary
mkdir -p ./_latex_rendering_msgs
TEX_FILE="table-topics-thesis"
OUTPUT_DIR="./_latex_auxilliary"
RENDERING_MSGS_DIR="./_latex_rendering_msgs"
# Remove auxiliary files
#rm ${OUTPUT_DIR}/${TEX_FILE}.aux ${OUTPUT_DIR}/${TEX_FILE}.bbl ${OUTPUT_DIR}/${TEX_FILE}.blg
# Compile LaTeX document
#pdflatex -output-directory=${OUTPUT_DIR} ./${TEX_FILE}.tex > ${RENDERING_MSGS_DIR}/output2.txt
#bibtex ${OUTPUT_DIR}/${TEX_FILE} > ${RENDERING_MSGS_DIR}/output3.txt
#pdflatex -output-directory=${OUTPUT_DIR} ./${TEX_FILE}.tex > ${RENDERING_MSGS_DIR}/output4.txt
pdflatex -output-directory=${OUTPUT_DIR} ./${TEX_FILE}.tex > ${RENDERING_MSGS_DIR}/output5.txt
# Move the final PDF to the current directory
mv ${OUTPUT_DIR}/${TEX_FILE}.pdf ./
latex
\documentclass{article}
\usepackage[x11names]{xcolor} % Provides extended color names
\usepackage{amsmath} % For advanced mathematical typesetting
\usepackage{graphicx} % For including images
\usepackage{hyperref} % For hyperlinks
\usepackage{natbib} % For bibliography management
\usepackage{geometry} % For adjusting page dimensions
\usepackage{array}
\usepackage{booktabs}
\title{A Table Topics Thesis}
\author{
% Christopher J. Paine, Satchin Semage\\
Bristol Central Speakers\\
\texttt{C. J. Paine; S. Semage}
}
\date{24th July 2025}
\begin{document}
\maketitle
\begin{abstract}
It is commonly believed that tables topics cannot be prepared for due to the infinite variety of questions that could be asked. In this paper we refute that assumption and discover that all questions may fall into 1 of 5 categories and that for each category a pre-determined framework can be used. A framework can be shown to benefit speakers in a number of advantageous ways.
\end{abstract}
\section{Introduction} Table Topics are a key component of Toastmasters meetings, designed to help participants develop their impromptu speaking skills. During a Table Topics session, a member is given a topic or question and must deliver a short, unprepared speech, typically lasting 1-2 minutes. The topics are usually broad and open-ended and therefore encouraging creativity and quick thinking. It is therefore commonly held belief that preparation is not possible. \\
\noindent A successful table topic can significantly boost a speaker's confidence by re-inforcing a self-belief that they can articulate thoughts clearly and spontaneously. Unfortunately, the need to be creative and think quickly makes this a difficult task with many speakers failing to deliver a succesful outcome. We therefore believe it is of great importance to give toastmasters any advantage they can to achieve this end.\\
\noindent In this paper we propose that all table topic questions can be categorised into one of 5 categories. Furthermore, for each category, pre-defined frameworks are available for the speaker to use. The use of a framework reduces cognitive load, 'buys time' to generate content rather than develop structure, and provides a foundation for further refinement.
\pagebreak
\section{The 5 categories of table topic}
\noindent The 5 categories of table topic can be remembered easily with the acronym P.O.A.C.H:
\begin{itemize}
\item Personal Story
\item Opinion
\item Advice
\item Comparisons
\item Hypotheticals
\end{itemize}
\section{Available Frameworks}
\begin{tabular}{|c|c|}
\hline
Table Topic Category & Framework \\ \hline
Personal Story & Situation Action Result \\ \hline
Opinion & Point Reason Example (repeat) \\ \hline
Advice & Situation, Problem, Solution, Benefit \\ \hline
Comparisons & Similarities Differences Insight \\ \hline
Hypotheticals & Imagine Describe Reflect \\ \hline
\end{tabular}
\subsection{Example Questions}
\begin{itemize}
\item "we live in a more dangerous world"
\item "AI is going to take over"
\item "things are better now than they used to be"
\end{itemize}
\end{document}