The Grammarian comments on the use of language during the meeting.

Usually the Grammarian also introduces a ‘Word of the Day’, although this is optional.

Sometimes the Grammarian role is combined with the Ah Counter role.

Prior to the meeting

Select a ‘Word of the Day’. It should be a word that will help members increase their vocabulary and one that can be incorporated easily into everyday conversation. Adjectives and adverbs are more adaptable than nouns or verbs, but feel free to select your own special word. If there is a theme for the meeting, use this to help you select your word.

In letters large enough to be seen from the back of the room, print your word on a sheet of paper that can be displayed. You can also include its part of speech (adjective, adverb, noun, etc.) and a brief definition.

Prepare a few sentences to explain the meaning of the word and how it is used.

Prepare a brief explanation of the duties of the Grammarian for the benefit of the guests.

Grammarian’s Introduction

Explain the role of the Grammarian.

Announce your ‘Word of the Day’. State its part of speech, define it, use it in a sentence and encourage members to use it.

Display your sheet of paper with the word somewhere prominent so that it can be seen throughout the meeting.

During the meeting

Listen to everyone’s word usage. Write down any particularly good uses of language and your reason for selection. Write down any awkward use or misuse of the language – for example: incomplete sentences, sentences that change direction in mid-stream, incorrect grammar etc. Note the speakers concerned.

If you are unsure about any language use you can check online. (See links at the bottom of this page.)

Write down who used the ‘Word of the Day’ (or a derivative of it) and note those who used it correctly or incorrectly.

Grammarian’s Report

Report on what you thought was good and bad language usage and your reasons for selection.

Offer the correct usage in every instance where there was a misuse, instead of only saying it was wrong.

Announce who used the ‘Word of the Day’ (or a derivative of it) correctly or incorrectly.

Script

Fellow Toastmasters and most welcomed guests. 

My name is __________ and my role as a Grammarian is to pay attention to good use of English and provide suggestions for improvements.

At the end of the meeting I will present my report to you.

The other part of my role is to provide you with a Word of the Day which will help enrich your vocabulary when preparing your next speech and beyond.

The Word of the Day for this meeting is:   _____________________________________

It means:  _______________________________________________________________

For example: _____________________________________________________________

You are encouraged to use the Word of the Day as frequently as you can and I will and the end of the meeting I will report back on how often it was used.

Hand back to the Toastmaster of the evening by extending your arm out and saying ‘Toastmaster’.

Take notes of sentences/words that capture your imagination with good use of metaphors, nicely structured sentences and words that are perfectly chosen.

REPORT

Dear Fellow Toastmasters, Friends and Guests, it was a pleasure listening to your speeches and I did find fine use of English that I would like to share

Report your findings.

To close:

“I am happy to see that fellow members were eager to use the Word of the Day, we have (name), (name) and (name) used the word (Word of the Day), great job!

Hand back to the Toastmaster of the evening by extending your arm out and saying ‘Toastmaster’.