You need a replacement because you can't attend a future meeting
You need a replacement because you can't attend the next meeting
You are the Chairman or Toastmaster and you cannot find members to do duties
You're not on the roster to speak but have a speech ready and would like to give it

"I'm going to be away in three meetings time"

If you  know well in advance that you won't be attending, please let your VP Education know. The roster can be rescheduled if you do this well in advance.
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"I can't come to the next meeting and I'm down to speak"

If you can't be at the NEXT meeting (and it happens to all of us) then you should try to find a replacement. This is particularly important if you would be giving a speech.

Firstly, ask the person doing that duty the meeting after if they would be prepared to swap.
Secondly, check the roster's "Hot Seat Speaker" or "Hot Seat Duty" rows, and ask the if they are willing to replace you.
Thirdly, (for speakers) check the "Speeches ready" section of the roster, and see if one of those is willing to step in.

If you find a replacement, then let the Toastmaster (for speakers and evaluators) or Chairman (for all other duties) know.

If you can't find a replacement, then contact the Toastmaster (for speakers and evaluators) or Chairman (for all other duties) and let them know who you have called.
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"I can't find speakers or other duty holders"

If you are Toastmaster for the evening and you cannot find speakers, then please contact the Chairman or, if unavailable, the VP Education. They may be able to suggest replacements. Make sure you do this as soon as you become aware that you will have a speaking slot available.
If you are the Chairman, you can

• Call for volunteers on the evening, during program changes. This applies even for speakers - someone may have one ready, or be willing to do an educational.
• Decide to replace a speaking slot with extra Table Topics. Make sure the Table Topics Master knows you intend to do this!
• Decide to use the time in some other way - examples could be a "Round Robin" storytelling session, a mini-debate, an education based on Table Topics. Your VP Education or your mentor will have some ideas

Remember - it's your meeting to run. A missing duty can be an opportunity to try something different!
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"I'm not rostered but have a speech to give"

Finally, if you can give a speech at short notice, or would like to do an educational, ask your VP Education to add your name to the list of members with "Speeches Ready", and advise what sort of speech you have available. This is a great way of helping you reach your next goal more quickly - and it also helps the Club by making sure we fill as many speaking slots as possible.

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