Version Update January 2014

AH - COUNTER
WHY SHOULD YOU TAKE UP THIS ROLE?

• This role helps you to evaluate your ability to listen sharply over an extended period of time
• It helps you to focus on what is being said
• It gives you an easy and important role to stand up and speak in front of an audience
• It is necessary to complete this role to complete the requirements of your Competent Leader Award
• You get Metamorph Reward points every time, you take up this role

DO’S & DONT’S

• Do not consume more time (1 min) in explaining your role

• Do not modify the script. It is okay to read the script if you are not comfortable
• Do not be unprepared with your script.
• Read the Ah Counter rules carefully and spell it out lucidly so that new comers and guests can
understand
• Be seated where you can listen to the speakers carefully
• Do not offend the speakers by making uncharitable remarks about their crutch sounds/words
• Be ready to present your report when asked for, by the General Evaluator
• Do not consume more time (2-3 mins) in explaining your report
• Present crisp reports about the areas you are expected to observe. Minute details are not expected.

Script for the role

“Mister (Madam) Toastmaster, Fellow Toastmasters, and Guests. My name is XYZ.

I am the AH COUNTER for this meeting My duty as Ah Counter is to listen attentively to each speaker.
Make a note of the following used by the speaker:

a. the crutch sounds - ah, er, um

b. filler words - but, like, so, ok
c. filler phrases – you know, and so, etc.
d. extremely long pauses

When called upon, my report will give an account of these speaking errors. Over to you, Mister
(Madam) Toastmaster”
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 Version Update January 2014

Guidelines regarding role of the Ah Counter

Helping members off their crutches

• The purpose of the Ah-Counter is to note any word or sound used as a crutch by anyone who
speaks during the meeting. Words may be inappropriate interjections, such as and, well, but, so and
you know. Sounds may be ah, um or er. You should also note when a speaker repeats a word or
phrase such as “I, I” or “This means, this means.” These words and sounds can be annoying to
listeners. The Ah-Counter role is an excellent opportunity to practice your listening skills.
• Several days before the meeting, use the information in A Toastmaster Wears Many Hats or in the
appendix of the Competent Communication manual to prepare a brief explanation of the duties of
the Ah-Counter for the benefit of guests.
• When you arrive at the meeting, bring a pen and blank piece of paper for notes, or locate a blank
copy of the Ah-Counter’s log, if your club has one, from the sergeant at arms.
• The president will call the meeting to order and introduce the Toastmaster who will, in turn,
introduce you and the other meeting participants. When you’re introduced, explain the role of the
Ah-Counter.

Here’s how to succeed as Ah Counter:

• Throughout the meeting, listen to everyone for sounds and long pauses used as fillers and not as a
necessary part of sentence structure. Write down how many filler sounds or words each person
used during all portions of the meeting.
• When you’re called on by the general evaluator during the evaluation segment, give your report.

IMPORTANT

• Please remember to bring your Competent Leader manual to the meeting and get it signed by the
General Evaluator for the role performed.
• Have a formatted sheet ready to record the Crutch words and sounds (Printed or Hand written)
• Read the Competent Leader Manual to obtain a better understanding of the role

Use this for each speaker separately

SEGMENT Crutch Filler Long Other Observations
Sounds Words/Phrases Pauses Fillers (Occasions)
Office Bearers
Role Players
Prepared Speakers
Table Topic Speakers
Evaluators
Guests
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