How Do I Use the Gavel in Toastmasters?

Passing the Gavel

Extend the gavel handle first when passing it off (for example, in an officer induction ceremony)

Sounding the Gavel

How many times do you pound the gavel on the lectern or table to open or close a meeting? Striking a surface with the gavel is known as sounding, rapping, tapping or knocking the gavel. Often people say they “bang the gavel” but that can lead to awkward interpretations. Besides, the goal is not to frighten the audience into quiet with a thunderclap of sound; rather, it is simply to give an audible signal of transition. A firm tap is enough, you’re not trying to break through the lectern.

According to Robert’s Rules of Order, tap the gavel once to open and close the meeting. Every time someone raps the gavel twice, knock-knock, I have an urge to yell out “who’s there?”

(XD, the humorous Toastmasters club in San Antonio, does actually open and close meetings with two raps of the gavel and a knock-knock joke. But then again, they are a humorous club.)

See: What are the rules for proper use of the gavel at a meeting? which references Robert’s Rules of Order Newly Revised 10th Edition.

Some organizations outside of Toastmasters use multiple taps of the gavel to indicate that the audience should stand up or sit down. This is generally not necessary in Toastmasters. If there is a situation that requires the entire club to sit or stand, just tell them.

The United States Government typically sounds the gavel once to call the session to order, to adjourn, and to note that a decision has been reached—a vote passed.

Although the gavel can be tapped for order, it should never be used to drown out a member, should not be waved around or used to gesture with.

Alternatives

Most clubs use the gavel to signal the beginning and ending of the meeting. You certainly could use it at a few other points, as indicated. But strictly speaking, you don’t even need it at all. A verbal announcement can be sufficient. Then you need less club equipment and the meeting can seem more personable, less formal. Or why not mix it up for special events? Consider:

• Rapping a lightsaber for a Star Wars themed meeting
• A gong for a China-themed meeting
• Hitting a cheese grater with a utensil to commemorate National Cheese Fondue Day, April 11
• Using a soundboard app on a smartphone
• Having an audible countdown
• Start off your meeting with a “bang,” using a toy gun that unfurls a flag with the word “bang” on it

The point is: although a meeting should be organized and effective, don’t let formality get in the way of enjoying your education!

Gavels as Gifts

Consider giving a gavel to the outgoing president, or to Toastmasters achieving special accomplishments. Depending on your club budget, you might give an engraved gavel, an ordinary wooden gavel, a smaller model gavel, or even a gavel for every outgoing officer. Or you might give each officer a gift representative of their position at the end of their term. Any ideas on what would be suitable?