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F.A.Q.

Q1: How would you choose a Toastmaster?

SIMPLE!
I would speak to them. You will know within 60 seconds if this is the person to Toastmaster/MC your special event.

Q2: Are there Toastmaster qualifications or membership organisations that I should look for?

Absolutely! Please make sure that whoever you employ has been trained by the prestigious and highly regarded guild like mine The UK School of Professional Toastmasters. But remember, Toastmaster's are individuals. Speak to your choices to see who will best suit you, your personality and your event. You only get one chance to get it right!

Q3: Why Engage a Toastmaster?

To most people attending any function the only visible signs of a Toastmaster’s presence are the relatively few announcements he makes.  That concept of a Toastmaster is, however, completely misleading.  A Toastmaster is, in fact, an expert in procedure and etiquette, who adds dignity as well as presence to each and every occasion.  Professionally trained and qualified Toastmasters are increasingly engaged at conferences and company presentations, because they have the combination of tact, diplomacy and management skills, which are necessary for the smooth running of events that will often involve large numbers of people.
 
A Toastmaster works in close liaison with his client to ensure the effective overall management of every type of event, which calls for any degree of formality.  He possesses a high degree of sensitivity and empathy, together with breadth and depth of knowledge of protocol and event organisation.  Ninety percent of a Toastmaster’s activity is never seen by the majority of people attending a function.  His discrete and unobtrusive attention to detail and close liaison throughout an event ensure that it flows, apparently quite effortlessly, to the successful conclusion, which is the client’s aim and wish.

Using a professional Toastmaster ensures the following.

  • The client/organiser is freed from anxiety and able to enjoy the event.
  • The venue management is allowed to concentrate on and fine tune the delivery of its own tasks.
  • The client can be confident that the responsibility for detailed co-ordination can reliably be delegated.
  • The client will have sound, professional advice and consultancy, which is truly independent of the venue, on all aspects of the event.
  • The event will be conducted not only with due authority and dignity, but also with the necessary lightness of touch to ensure all round enjoyment for everyone.
  • The client is assured of the extra “touch of class” and style that will make the occasion truly memorable.
  • The guests at any event will have a readily identifiable source of information and assistance.

 

Q4. Why do we need a Toastmaster? Isn't that the Best Man's job?
 
The Best Man is there because he is the Bridegroom’s best friend.  The Bridegroom has honoured him by inviting him to fulfil the best man’s role and wants him fully to participate in and enjoy the big day.  The best man has not been chosen because of his organisational skills or his experience in looking after the needs of the wedding party and the guests or his knowledge and experience of the hospitality business.  He is a friend; treat him as one by not placing on his inexperienced shoulders the onerous responsibility of ensuring the smooth running of the big day.

Q5: The hotel where the reception is being held has said that it will look after the announcements; so that should be all right, shouldn't it?

This usually means that the Head Waiter or Banqueting Manager will try to fit in the Toastmaster role alongside his/her other duties; those other duties are onerous and demanding.  He/she is responsible for managing the liaison between kitchens and front of house and ensuring that the wedding breakfast is correctly served.  He/she will be fully employed supervising the venue’s banqueting staff and in many cases he/she will be the Duty Manager at the hotel with responsibility for dealing with incidents that occur elsewhere on the premises.  If such an incident occurs during your wedding breakfast you will, of necessity, be left to your own resources.  Furthermore he/she might be managing another wedding reception and breakfast at the same venue, which overlaps with yours.

Q6: The manager at the reception venue says that a Toastmaster can be included as part of the package; so why should we engage you?

If a Toastmaster is provided as part of the package he/she will be working for the venue in the same way as the chef, the waiters and the bar staff.  If something goes wrong his/her responsibility is to the venue, his/her employer.  An independent Toastmaster, engaged by you, has no such allegiance to the venue.  His/her responsibility is to you and you alone.  You can rely on him/her to deal with any problems on your behalf and do everything in his/her power to ensure that the venue effectively delivers that, which it has promised and for which you have contracted with the venue.

Q7: Are Toastmasters expensive; we have spoken to people who offer to do it for less.
 
The Toastmaster business is not licensed in any way; anyone can buy a red coat and set up in business as a Toastmaster.  Such an individual could be good, bad or indifferent. It is an old adage that you get what you pay for.  By engaging me you can rest assured, safe in the knowledge that I have

  • been expertly trained by the The UK School of Professional Toastmasters.
  • been professionally examined in both theory and practical ability by highly experienced qualified Toastmasters;
  • officiated successfully at events in a range of cultures;
  • received numerous letters of recommendation from satisfied clients, which are available for inspection.

 

Q8: I've decided to engage a professional Toastmaster and now you have told me that you are already engaged that day; where do I go now?

I am an Associate Member The UK School of Professional Toastmasters. But remember, Toastmaster's are individuals. Speak to your choices, through which I have access to all the other members  of our Guild and details of their availability for months ahead.  If I am not available for any reason on the date of your wedding, I will find for you a professionally trained and qualified Toastmaster of our Guild who is and I will put him in touch with you.

Q9: How much will it cost?

This depends upon a number of factors: the pre-event planning requirements; the amount of time I am needed to be at the event; the distances involved; the complexity of the event; the numbers attending - to name but a few. It is fair to say that I am not the cheapest Toastmaster/MC but then, unlike material goods where the maxim: "If you buy cheap, you buy twice" can be applied to resolve a problem purchase, there is no going back for a second chance opportunity if a lacklustre Toastmaster/MC has officiated at your one-off special event - by then it is too late! To receive a spot-on quote simply give me a call or e-mail me.