When you are Ah-Counter...

The purpose of Ah-Counter is to call attention to the members' Ah's, Um's, xerox words (double words e.g. the the) etc. Notification of such errors is normally given by ringing a bell in a somewhat obnoxious manner.

Points to remember:

At the Toastmasters request, explain the purpose and function of the Ah-Counter's duties.

Keep written track of all infractions, even if you missed ringing the bell.

Discourage any attention by members to the sound of the bell. Let the bell be a reminder, not a crutch.

Do not ring the bell for guests or during formal speeches.

At the end of the meeting, you will be asked by the Toastmaster to report on the number of infractions for everyone who participated that day. Members in the beginning manual are charged $.05 per infraction, with a maximum of $.25. Members in the advanced manuals are chaged $.10 per infraction with a maximum of $.50.

The Ah-Counter's duties begin at the opening of the meeting (you do not have to wait to be introduced) and stop at the very end of the meeting.