A Quizmaster in Toastmasters meetings is a role designed to test the audience's listening skills and reinforce information learned during the meeting through a question-and-answer session. This role adds an interactive and often entertaining element to the meeting, encouraging active listening and participation among members.
The Quizmaster's primary responsibility is to listen intently throughout the meeting, taking notes on key points, interesting facts, or memorable moments from speeches, Table Topics, and other segments. From these notes, the Quizmaster formulates a series of questions, typically five or six, to pose to the audience. These questions should not be trivial but should focus on important points and test the audience's ability to pay attention, rather than their recall of minute details. Examples of questions might include "According to Will's educational session, what is the most important job of an evaluator?" or "What was Jamila’s favorite song?".
When called upon, usually by the General Evaluator, the Quizmaster has a limited time, often three to six minutes, to conduct their report. They begin by briefly explaining their role if necessary, then proceed to ask their questions, allowing a few seconds for audience responses. Responses are often called out rapidly from the audience, creating a lively and competitive atmosphere. If no one answers a question, the Quizmaster provides the answer and moves on. The role requires multitasking, active listening, and the ability to quickly process information to generate concise and relevant questions. It also helps the Quizmaster develop facilitation skills.
While the Quizmaster role is not one of the traditional, officially listed roles in Toastmasters International's handbooks like the Ah-Counter or Timer, it is a popular custom role adopted by many clubs to enhance the meeting experience and provide fresh ways for members to develop skills. Clubs like St. Vladimir Toastmasters in Toronto and Center Berlin Toastmasters in Germany have successfully incorporated this role, sometimes referred to as the "Listener," to foster engagement and improve members' attention to detail. The role is considered excellent for new members to participate immediately and can be adapted, for instance, by offering small prizes for correct answers to increase motivation. The Quizmaster concludes by thanking the audience and returning control to the General Evaluator or Toastmaster.
