How to WAG the RDG Way

1. What is the WAG?

One of the objectives of Toastmasters training is to help us to improve all of our language skills. The WAG helps us accomplish that in our meetings by performing three functions. The first duty is to prepare and monitor the use of a “Word of the Day” that will help us expand our vocabulary and test our improvisation skills. The second is the “ah” counter which helps to break us of the terrible habit of saying “ah”, “um”, “you know”, and many other verbal pauses. This helps members build smoother speaking habits. The final duty is to record and report any errors members make in grammar, pronunciation, word usage, and sentence construction.

Performing the WAG role will sharpen your language skills, critical thinking, and concentration.

2. Before, During, & After the Meeting

This chapter will walk you through performing the WAG role.

2.1. Before the Meeting

Assuming the Toastmaster chooses a theme, you'll want to choose a word of the day that goes with the theme. For example, if the theme of the day is "Spies and PIs", you may want to consider "espionage", "subterfuge", "surveillance", or "covert".

Make sure you have something to record each speaker. You can find sample worksheets in the WAG resources folder.

If your language skills aren't what you'd like them to be, find a few things (no more than 3) you'd like to focus on noticing, such as metaphors, similes, onomatopoeia, and so on. Change them up every time you're WAG.

Update the WotD PowerPoint to include your word and its definition and print it out. You will want to put the word of the day somewhere the speaker can readily see it, as well as somewhere the audience can see it. Your club may also want you to put your word of the day into Easy Speak ahead of time.

2.2. During the Meeting

When called upon by the Toastmaster at the start of the meeting, you should move to the lectern, shake hands with the Toastmaster, acknowledge the Toastmaster and say something like:

“The purpose of the WAG is to help us improve our language skills. The “Word of the Day” is…” 

Present your word, the definition(s), and use the word in a sentence as an example. Proceed to explain the A and G parts of the WAG role. Give a brief explanation of the verbal pauses and grammatical errors you will be monitoring, then return control to the Toastmaster.

Make a list of the names of all that speak. Monitor them for fillers, usage of the word of the day, grammatical errors, and words and turns of phrase that stand out (make sure you monitor for good uses of the language as well as bad ones!). Listen carefully as certain pauses and fillers may be spoken in many ways; even those experienced speakers that may have eliminated “ah” and “um” may have replaced them with “and” or “so”.

Near the end of the evaluation session you will be called upon by the Toastmaster or General Evaluator to give your report. Your report should include any grammatical errors you heard as well as a report on who used the word of the day. Step through the report on a per meeting portion basis (i.e. start with prepared speeches, then Table Topics, etc.). Your report should be given in a light manner without embarrassing the speaker. For speakers that used five or more of a certain verbal pause, just say they "maxed out" (e.g. "John, you maxed out on ums"). 

2.3. After the Meeting

The WAG generally does not need to do post-meeting work. Your club may have the Secretary include the word of the day that was chosen for an after meeting report, or put it into Easy Speak.

3. Suggestions

• Select a challenging word not normally used in your day-to-day conversation that also ties into the theme selected by the Toastmaster. This word should generally have a positive connotation. For example, “articulate” is easy because it can be used in a positive manner. A word that has a negative context will not likely be one that people will apply during evaluations.
  
• There is nothing wrong with using a very simple word occasionally; we just need practice being spontaneous and using the word!
  
• Make an easy to read sign with the word’s correct spelling, its meaning, pronunciation, part of speech (noun, verb, etc.), and sample. Make two copies and tape them so one drapes off the front of the lectern to let everyone see it, and the other copy should be easily readable by the speaker. If you forget to bring the word, feel free to use a whiteboard if present.
  
• The Ah Um Counter can either list out the individual types of offenses or simply give a summary count (that is, say the member name, list X many ahs, Y many ‘you knows’, Z many ‘buts’, or simply a sum total of them). If anyone used a filler word five times or more, simply say they maxed out.
  
• Some verbal pauses are very tricky to notice, like “so” and “but”, because they can be used as part of a sentence ‘cleanly’. Also be on the lookout for run-on sentences, incomplete sentences, and sentence changes.
  
• Be sure to watch for skillful uses of the language as well, and consider awarding a “Language Leader” or “Word Star” title to someone who was especially on point.
  
• Note that some clubs split out the roles of the WAG; the same ideas apply. If your club is low on membership, a WAG makes sense; if you have more members, splitting up the roles gets more people involved.