← Back to Meeting roles

Ah & Grammarian Monitor

This role only appears when Ah-Counter and Grammarian are combined into one agenda slot. You cover both duties: tracking filler words and sounds, introducing the Word of the Day, and giving both reports when called upon.

Role overview

As Ah & Grammarian Monitor, you cover both Ah-Counter and Grammarian duties in one meeting: tracking filler words and sounds, introducing the Word of the Day, noting strong language and grammar slips, and giving both reports when called upon.

What to fill in on the agenda

After you sign up, open your role on the meeting agenda and add a Word of the Day (the word plus a short definition). You can enter it when you sign up or later with Add word of the day / Edit word of the day. Have it ready before the meeting so you can announce it clearly.

Prefer reading the full separate guides? Ah-Counter · Grammarian

Before the meeting

• Choose a Word of the Day—ideally related to the meeting’s theme
• Select a word that’s easy to understand and use in conversation
• Prepare a short definition and a sample sentence using the word
• Print the Ah-Counter Tracker (and Grammarian PDF if helpful) so you can tally during the meeting

When called to speak at the start of the meeting

Thank you, Mr./Madam Toastmaster, fellow Toastmasters and guests:

As Ah & Grammarian Monitor, I will listen for filler words and sounds used as crutches—including ah, um, er, and, well, but, so, and you know—and note repeated phrases. I will also pay attention to language usage, note improper grammar as well as outstanding words or thoughts, and introduce the Word of the Day.

I’ve also selected a Word of the Day to help expand our vocabulary: [insert word].

The meaning of the word is: [brief definition]. Here’s how it can be used in a sentence: ‘[Insert sentence using the word]’

All speakers tonight are encouraged to use the Word of the Day at least once during the meeting. When called upon, I will give both the Ah-Counter and Grammarian reports, including Word of the Day usage.

During the meeting

Ah-Counter tracking

• Words: And, Well, But, So, You Know
• Sounds: Ah, Um, Er, Hum, Huh
• Repeats: I, I / This, This / That, That (and similar double clutches)

Grammarian tracking

• Write down who uses the Word of the Day
• Jot down any great language, clever phrasing, or grammar slips—avoid calling out specific people for errors

When called for your reports

Thank you, Mr./Madam General Evaluator.

Fellow Toastmasters and guests:

Here is my report as Ah-Counter:

• [Speaker Name]: [counts / brief summary]
• (Continue as needed)

Here is my report as Grammarian:

The following members used the Word of the Day:

• [List names]

Some excellent examples of language used tonight include:

• [Give 1–2 quick examples]

A few grammar or language slips I noticed included:

• [Brief general mistakes—without naming names]

Thank you.