Description

When you hear the word “grammar,” you may think about a system of rules, seemingly designed to provide an endless source of correction. But mastering the grammar of a particular language can help you understand what makes language clear, interesting, and precise. In this way, developing good grammar or, at the very least, contextually appropriate grammar will make you a better speaker. Much in the way that Toastmasters helps speakers gain prowess by providing detailed evaluations of their prepared speeches, the Grammarian role is designed to help speakers – both prepared and extemporaneous – correct technical issues that can sometimes arise when even the most experienced speaker writes or delivers a speech, issues which can undermine a speaker’s influence.

As with the Evaluator role, you catch more flies with honey than vinegar; you should be sure to listen not only for mistakes in spoken word but also exceptional or exceptionally interesting turns of phrase. This could be anything that stands out to you, some examples of which might include:

• The employ of the “catching more flies with honey” expression as a metaphor for enticement by offering something pleasant
• The appropriate usage of a foreign word or phrase, such as quid pro quo or ingenue
• Correct enunciation of a series of challenging words or sentences

Even something simple like a speaker managing to convey a conversation between two or more parties by mimicking different vocal affectations might fall under the purview of the Grammarian’s evaluation.

Before the Meeting

The Grammarian is responsible for choosing the Word of the Day for the session. This shouldn’t be viewed as an opportunity for pedantry – inappropriately showing off your knowledge. The word should not be so esoteric as to be unusable in common speech, though this is subjective. In general, the word you choose should also be a positive one unless you want members snarkily referring to one another as pedants. If you are unsure of how the word should be correctly pronounced, be sure to look up a pronunciation key prior to the meeting.

Print a copy of the Grammarian form and have it available at the meeting.

During the Meeting

Introduce the Word of the Day you chose. Your introduction should ideally provide a spelling of the word, an indication of what part of speech it is (noun, adjective, preposition, etc.), along with a definition and an example of correct usage.

• If meeting in person, the Word of the Day should be prominently displayed throughout the meeting, perhaps on a whiteboard, overhead projector, or flipchart.
• If meeting online, the Word of the Day should be – at the very least – shared over text chat, so attendees can see how the word is spelled.

After introducing the Word of the Day, it will be your responsibility to listen for and note its – hopefully correct – usage throughout the meeting.  Alternate versions of the word should be accepted when used correctly, such as alternate – alternately.  When called upon to deliver the Grammarian’s report, you should mention how many times each speaker successfully made use of the Word.

Note: Many clubs find it helpful to provide visual or audible recognition of when the Word of the Day is used. If your club decides to do this, try to ensure that whatever signal is used isn’t too distracting to the speaker. We have successfully used 2-3 gentle snaps of the finger.

As you listen to each speaker during the meeting, try to make note of at least one point of improvement along with 1-2 things you really enjoyed about the person’s speech. When called upon during the Evaluation portion of the meeting, report upon how many times each speaker used the Word of the Day, as well as good and bad instances of grammar. Try your best to balance any negative observations with uplifting comments.

After the Meeting

No tasks. Some clubs may collect the Grammarian report.

Skills

Listening; familiarity with the grammar rules of the language in which your meetings are conducted

Benefits Gained from this Role

The ability to provide constructive, non-critical feedback, balancing opportunities for improvement with positive observations

Describe Your Role

My role as Grammarian is to introduce the Word-of-the-Day and encourage its use by all participants. Today’s Word-of-the-Day is __________. It is [a(n) noun, verb, adjective, etc.] that means __________. If you hear it used by any member or guest, I encourage you to gently snap your fingers a few times*. As Grammarian, I will also be listening for grammatical errors as well as exceptional turns of phrase.