The grammarian plays an important role in helping all club members improve their grammar and vocabulary.

The responsibilities of the grammarian are to introduce new words to members, comment on the language used during the course of the meeting, and to provide examples of good grammar and word usage.

Taking on this role improves vocabulary, grammar, critical listening skills and evaluation skills.

Before the meeting

• Select a word of the day. Choose a word to help members build their vocabularies and that they can incorporate into everyday conversation.
• Prepare a brief description of the grammarian’s duties for the benefit of guests.
• Communicate the word of the day for inclusion in the agenda or develop a visual aid for display during the meeting.
• Ensure you prepare a way to take notes during the meeting.

During the meeting

• Place your visual aid if you’ve created one at the front of the room where it can be seen by everyone.
• Be prepared to take notes as people speak during the meeting.
• When introduced, briefly explain the role of the grammarian and announce the word of the day. Provide a definition of the word of the day along with an example of it being used in practice and invite everyone speaking during the meeting to use it.
• Throughout the meeting, listen to each speaker’s word usage. Record any creative language and any awkward use or misuse of language (such as incomplete sentences or incorrect grammar) with a note of those who used um’s, ahs and other filler words.
• Create a list of members who used the word of the day.
• When called on by the Toastmaster give your grammarian report.

Further information can be found on the toastmasters international website in the grammarian section.