Overview

The purpose of the Ah Counter is to note words and sounds used as a "crutch" or "pause filler" by anyone who speaks during the meeting. Words may be inappropriate interjections such as "and," "well," "but," "so," "you know." Sounds may be "ahhhh" Ummmm" "errrr" You should also note when a speaker repeats a word or phrase such as "I, I" or "This means, This means."

Prior to the meeting

• Prepare a brief explanation of the duties of the ah counter for the benefit of guests

During the meeting

• When introduced prior to Table Topics, explain the role of the ah counter. Explain that ten cents is charged for every speaker who uses a "crutch" or "pause filler" (guests are excluded) up to a maximum of one dollar.
• Throughout the meeting, listen to everyone (except guests) for "crutch" sounds and long pauses used as fillers and not as a necessary part of the sentence structure. Write down how many crutch sounds or words each person used during all portions of the meeting.
• When called on by the general evaluator during the evaluation segment, stand by your chair and give your report.