Toastmaster
Publicist |
Master of Ceremonies
Events Co-Ordinator
|
As a professional Toastmaster and Master of Ceremonies, I will stage manage and choreograph your event, bringing a uniqueness to the occasion and leaving you with wonderful memories and a stress free day.
I perform a number of roles:
A Toastmaster’s unique set of skills
Q1. What is a Toastmaster / Master of Ceremonies?
A1. Someone who is professionally trained, skilled in the art of people management and communications, who can stage manage and choreograph events, keeps an audience well informed and can bring them to order, introduces guests and speakers in an audible way, keeps to the time schedule, makes and implements decisions, absorbs the pressure from organisers and key guests, works in tandem with other players including photographers, cabaret acts, bands, guest speakers, the venue, catering managers and the media.
Q2. Do I need one?
A2. Yes if you don’t want to take the risk of the event descending into chaos. A professional toastmaster ensures the programme runs to time so ensuring the audience/guests are in the right place at the right time, that food is served hot, offers one to one guidance, relieves you of the pressure so that you can sit back and enjoy the day, takes over the burden of liaising with other contributors to the event.
Q3. Can’t the venue manage the event without my services?
A3. Not if you want a professionally run event with a Toastmaster and Master of Ceremonies dedicated to the proceedings to keeps it on track, available for your immediate disposal to offer guidance on protocol, not drawn away to attend to hotel housekeeping issues including the demands of the kitchen. A Toastmaster and Master of Ceremonies is professionally trained to make those important announcements , to organise receiving lines and to announce various toasts.
Q4. What’s the difference between a Toastmaster/Master of Ceremonies and a Hotel Banqueting Manager?
A4. A Toastmaster/Master of Ceremonies is employed by YOU to professionally manage the event for you. He/she wears the uniform of the National Association of Toastmasters and commands the respect of guests through their experience of officiating at numerous events and functions, manages people control, brings a touch of humour, delivers voice projection, makes and implements decisions. A professional Toastmaster and Master of Ceremonies is skilled in the art of communications, develops a special rapport with audiences and helps to lift the spectacle of the event.
A Banqueting manager, meanwhile, is employed by the hotel to act carry out a range of responsibilities including organising drinks, the kitchen, waiting staff. This precludes them from dedicating their time solely for you because of their other responsibilities. Moreover they don’t have the skills, experience or professional aplomb of a Toastmaster to oversee the function.
If you are offered a hotel ‘toastmaster’ package be sure you opt to engage your own professional Toastmaster from the National Association of Toastmasters. This will ensure that your event, with a professional Toastmaster, matches your hopes and aspirations and leaves a lasting impression on the guests.
Q5. What events do Toastmasters and Master of Ceremonies officiate at?
A5. Royal occasions, Rotary, Roundtable and Charity functions, Weddings, Religious ceremonies, Awards dinners, Masonic functions, Festivals, Cocktail parties, Conferences and Corporate events, Civic receptions, Banquets, Gala dinners, Fashion shows, Music halls, Sporting Hospitality events, Trade shows and Exhibitions. Burns nights.
Q6. What are Receiving lines and toasts?
A6. A receiving line is often conducted as a way of introducing the guests to dignitaries or the bride and groom. Through his command of the brief and attention to detail, a professional Toastmaster and Master of Ceremonies can use his presentational skills and sense of timing to uplift the occasion. At most events it is usual for the hosts and guests to offer a Loyal Toast to the Queen or to toast guests or absent friends. A professional Toastmaster and Master of Ceremonies, through his experience, knows the protocol and how and when and in which order these should be announced.
Q7. What training does a professional Toastmaster/Master of Ceremonies have?
A7. When you engage a professional Toastmaster and Master of Ceremonies from the National Association of Toastmasters, the premier Toastmaster Association, you know you are getting someone who has undergone extensive training and has passed a series of exams to reach an acceptable standard and has officiated at numerous events. Do not underestimate the hours that a Toastmaster and Master of Ceremonies has put in to command a full understanding of the very broad responsibilities that they are called upon to perform and deliver across a range of diverse events.
Q8. What’s my background?
A8. I’ve worked in public relations for many years with senior Government Ministers, including the Deputy Prime Minister, John Prescott, who I worked with as his Press Secretary and Head of Corporate Events. I am experienced in crisis management and, as part of my public relations role, I can provide the best presentational advice. I write speeches and press releases, manage relationships with the media, run press conferences and understand the role of the Press Complaints Commission and how to manage intrusive press issues. I engage in amateur stage productions, can sing and act, and when not in productions, often act as a Master of Ceremonies in musical evening and fundraising events. I deal with people from all backgrounds and am fully trained in voice projection. I deal with the unexpected!
Q9. Do I know how to publicise your event?
A9. Very much so. I have a wealth of experience of how the media operates, both the written press and broadcast media. If you want press exposure I can arrange it. If you don’t I can manage that situation for you. So whatever your requirement, it is important that you engage someone with public relations skills and experience to ensure the media are managed with the minimum of intrusion.
Q10. Why choose me?
A10. I’m not that expensive. I’m an experienced professional. My public relations experience is second to none. I’ve got charisma, personality, charm and skills that will bring subtlety and humour to your event. This will leave a lasting impression on you and your guests. Whatever your decision, may I wish you the very best of luck with your event.
Associate Member of National Association of Toastmasters
Telephone ~ 01243 602260 or 07973 861799