The Um and Ah Counter's Role Description and Responsibilities



What's so important about counting um's and ah's, you ask?

That is a good question.  As one of the most undermined meeting roles, the Um and Ah Counter's job is more important than you know, as he or she is responsible for noting "crutch" or "pause fillers," and eventually helping everyone's speaking skills become more authoritative and elegant.

By the way, "crutch" and "pause filler" are inappropriate interjections such as "and," "well," "ah," "um," "er" and any word or phrase that has absolutely no business being a part of your sentence or intention.

What are the benefits of volunteering as an Um and Ah Counter?

For one, you practice your own listening and analytical skills.  In turn, you can improve your own speech delivery.  Many members have voiced how, since they began their Toastmasters career, have focused more on using um's and ah's, and became better at communicating properly and precisely.

Want to give it a try?

Here are a few things you need to know to become a valuable Um and Ah Counter:

Before the Meeting:

• Briefly explain the duties of the Ah and Um Counter to guests and new members.

During the Meeting:

• When called upon by the General Evaluator, explain your role.  
• For example:

"My role as Ah Counter is to note and keep track of words and sounds used as a crutch or pause filler by anyone who speaks during the meeting.  The use of inappropriate interjections such as ‘and’, ‘well’, ‘but’, ‘so’, ‘like’, ‘you know’ as well as sounds like ‘ah’, ‘um’, ‘er’ will be met with an audible click .   I will note any uses of the crutch or filler words mentioned."

• Then, during the rest of the meeting, listen for ‘crutch’ sounds and filler words. 
• Take note of your observations.  
• When called on by the General Evaluator, during the evaluation portion of the meeting, provide your report.  
• Please take it easy on guests and Ice Breaker speakers, as they are new and haven't quite got the hang of eliminating their um's and ah's.

After the Meeting:

• Give your completed report to the Secretary for filing.

If you would like to use our Ah and Um Counter Log, a template that you can download for your next meeting, to ease the note-taking process, feel free to download it at TOASTPEDITORS AH AND UM COUNTER TEMPLATE.

< End of Post >