LEXICOLOGIST FUNCTION
One of the key elements of effective communication is the proper use and pronunciation of the words we use when we speak. Your job as Lexicologist is to constructively evaluate our effectiveness in word usage. This function also helps you practice your listening skills.
Materials Needed
- Pen or pencil
- The ringing bell
- The Lexicologist form
Chronology of the Lexicologist Role:
1) As always, arrive on time for the meeting to get set up and get needed materials.
2) In the "Member name column" on the form, write down each meeting attendant.
3) Get the word of the day from the Topicmaster (sometimes it is shown on the agenda)
4) Note any improper use of words during the meeting (see the categories on the form). Fines are 5 cents for each infraction, for a maximum of 25 cents. TIP: If a person corrects their mistake, do not fine them.
6) You might be asked to explain your function to visitors and newcomers. One way to state your function:
7)Give a final report at the end of the meeting. Be constructive and specific. This is often the last function of the meeting, so try to be brief. Give out awards appropriately:
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Materials Needed
- Pen or pencil
- The ringing bell
- The Lexicologist form
Chronology of the Lexicologist Role:
1) As always, arrive on time for the meeting to get set up and get needed materials.
2) In the "Member name column" on the form, write down each meeting attendant.
3) Get the word of the day from the Topicmaster (sometimes it is shown on the agenda)
4) Note any improper use of words during the meeting (see the categories on the form). Fines are 5 cents for each infraction, for a maximum of 25 cents. TIP: If a person corrects their mistake, do not fine them.
a) Ah, Um
b) Fillers and Connectors: When speaking, people frequently connect sentences, with "and", "so", "you know".
c) "Double clutches" - when the speaker starts, then re-starts a sentence.
d) Improper grammar, word usage or clichés. Common examples:
5) During Table Topics, and ONLY during Table Topics, ring the bell for each "um" infraction. TIP: Don’t be shy; use the bell, even if it seems to distract the speaker. Also, record who uses the word of the day, and report this to the Topicsmaster. TIP: Frequently the Topicmaster forgets to ask for your report - again, don’t be shy, get the Topicmaster’s attention if necessary.b) Fillers and Connectors: When speaking, people frequently connect sentences, with "and", "so", "you know".
c) "Double clutches" - when the speaker starts, then re-starts a sentence.
d) Improper grammar, word usage or clichés. Common examples:
- "I would like to introduce our speaker..."
- "I now turn the meeting over to..."
- "So she goes ‘what did you say?’ he goes..."
- Any improper pronunciation of a person’s name
e) Examples of good usage: In order to be constructive, be sure to give specific complimentary feedback to those who properly use language.- "I now turn the meeting over to..."
- "So she goes ‘what did you say?’ he goes..."
- Any improper pronunciation of a person’s name
6) You might be asked to explain your function to visitors and newcomers. One way to state your function:
One of the key elements of effective communication is the proper use and pronunciation of the words we use when we speak. My job is to help my fellow Toastmasters in this. During Table Topics, I will ring a bell each time a speaker says “um” or “ahh”, to help him or her avoid this most distracting habit during an impromptu presentation. Also, to make things interesting, each infraction costs a nickel, with a maximum fine of 25 cents.
7)Give a final report at the end of the meeting. Be constructive and specific. This is often the last function of the meeting, so try to be brief. Give out awards appropriately:
The "I would like 2" Award goes to the person who improperly uses this phrase the most. TIP: Remember that there are appropriate ways to say this phrase, and do not fine/award a person who does this.
The "Wizard of Ahhs" Award goes to the person who says "um" or "ah" the most number of times. TIP: Don’t award this if no one had 5 or more infractions, and be gracious to those who seem to always struggle with this.
The "Sew" Award goes to the member who said "So" the most times while speaking during the meeting.
The "Wizard of Ahhs" Award goes to the person who says "um" or "ah" the most number of times. TIP: Don’t award this if no one had 5 or more infractions, and be gracious to those who seem to always struggle with this.
The "Sew" Award goes to the member who said "So" the most times while speaking during the meeting.
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