The Table Topics Master has one of the hardest jobs in the meeting: coming up with original, engaging questions that fit the theme and the time limit.
We have all been there—scrambling five minutes before the meeting starts, trying to Google “fun questions” while the Sergeant-at-Arms is calling the room to order.
Stop stressing. We have curated a list of 50 high-impact questions categorized by vibe. Whether your club prefers deep philosophical discussions or lighthearted laughs, pick a section and go.
⚠️ Practice Tip: Don’t just read these! Pick a random question below and try to speak for 1-2 minutes using our Free Speech Timer to test your impromptu skills.
1. Light & Funny (Ice Breakers)
These are perfect for warming up the room or when the energy is low.
- What is the worst haircut you have ever had?
- If you had to eat one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be?
- What is a fashion trend you hope never comes back?
- Tell us about a time you tried to fix something and made it worse.
- What is the strangest gift you have ever received?
- If animals could talk, which one would be the rudest?
- What is your favorite smell in the whole world?
- If you were a wrestler, what would be your entrance theme song?
- What is the most useless talent you possess?
- If you could ban one household chore forever, what would it be?
2. The “If You Could…” (Creative Hypotheticals)
These questions force the speaker to use their imagination.
- If you could have dinner with any person, dead or alive, who would it be?
- If you could instantly master one skill without practicing, what would you choose?
- If you were stranded on a deserted island, what three items would you bring?
- If you could travel to any point in the past or future, where would you go?
- If you won the lottery today, what is the first thing you would buy?
- If you could trade lives with a movie character for a week, who would it be?
- If you could design your dream home, what is one crazy feature it must have?
- If you were a superhero, what would your weakness be?
- If you could speak to the entire world for 30 seconds, what would you say?
- If you wrote a book about your life, what would the title be?
3. Deep & Thought-Provoking
Best for experienced speakers or advanced clubs.
- What is the best piece of advice you have ever received?
- Define what “Success” looks like to you personally.
- What is a failure that you are now grateful for?
- If you could change one thing about the way you were raised, what would it be?
- What is one thing you believe that most people disagree with?
- When was the last time you stepped completely out of your comfort zone?
- Who has had the biggest influence on your career?
- What do you want to be remembered for?
- Is it better to be respected or liked?
- What is a fear you have conquered?
4. Rapid Fire (The “This or That”)
Short on time? Ask the speaker to pick a side and defend it for 1 minute.
- Cats or Dogs?
- Coffee or Tea?
- Morning Bird or Night Owl?
- City Life or Countryside?
- Book or Movie?
- Summer or Winter?
- Plane or Train?
- Planning everything or Going with the flow?
- Truth or Dare?
- Saving money or Spending on experiences?
- Android or iPhone?
- Beach vacation or Mountain hiking?
- Working alone or Working in a team?
- Sweet or Savory?
- Physical Book or E-Reader?
- Fiction or Non-Fiction?
- Dine-in or Take-out?
- Loud Party or Quiet Dinner?
- Comedy or Horror?
- Texting or Calling?
💡 Tips for the Topicsmaster
- Bridge the Gap: If a speaker struggles with the question, encourage them to answer a related question instead.
- Watch the Time: If the meeting is running late, switch to the “Rapid Fire” questions to keep things moving.
- Mix it Up: Don’t just ask deep questions; the audience needs a laugh too!
Disclaimer: This guide is a personal resource created by Jel Salamanca. It is not an official publication of, nor is it affiliated with or endorsed by, Toastmasters International.
