What Makes a Good Word of the Day?

How to pick a good word of the day?

A good word of the day…

• IS related to the theme. If you don’t know what the theme is, ask the Toastmaster of the Day. For example, if the theme is superheroes, you might pick the word “temerity” because you think that would work well for superheroes
• is NOT known by everyone in the room. Using “gold” or “courage” isn’t the best word of the day. It still challenges people to think on their feet and modify what they say, but it’s not teaching anyone.
• is NOT extremely unusual. If nobody knows what the word means, then it’s hard to use in conversation
• is NOT an extremely specific word. “Chutzpah” can be used in almost any situation and is a good word. “Echinacea,” on the other hand, is not going to come up in a business memo anytime soon. You want words that the club can start using immediately.
• IS a word many people recognize or have vague awareness of, but do not use often. The goal is for the club to improve the way they speak and write.

Another tip: adjectives are usually easier to use than other parts of speech. If a word comes in multiple forms, try to mention that fact at least once.

Make sure everyone can see the word of the day AND its definition–and if possible, pronunciation–throughout the meeting. It’s rare, but if you can position it where the speaker can see it too, that can help to remind them when they’re at the lectern.

Here are good sites to find Words of the Day. Just remember, pick out a good one, not just the first one that comes along.
http://www.merriam-webster.com/word-of-the-day/
http://dictionary.reference.com/wordoftheday