In the West End at Grosvenor House
What does a toastmaster do?
As far as your guests are concerned I am a figure of welcoming authority (conspicuous in my red tailcoat) who will answer their questions about the venue (“where’s the bar, car park or loo?”) the timing of the event (“when are the speeches going to be?”) and control the formal part of the proceedings by calling for silence to introduce the people who are going to speak and propose the toasts. I also look after the host, chairman/ president or bride and bridegroom. At more formal events I will also announce the guests on arrival, or to their hosts in a receiving line.
Like an iceberg, there is a lot more to it than is visible from the surface.
A Toastmaster is the public face of the event organiser. I always liaise well in advance with the hosts or organisers, to receive their instructions and timetable and to offer them my advice about planning, if requested. I may even visit the venue in advance to familiarise myself with the layout if it is one that is not normally used for functions. On the day, I will arrive at least an hour before the event is due to begin to liaise with EVERYONE involved (caterers/banqueting manager, security, photographer, musicians, DJ, Registrar etc) to make sure that nothing has been forgotten or overlooked. Throughout the function I take responsibility for making any little unexpected problems look as if they never happened (I always have emergency wedding dress repair pins to hand!). I then guide hosts and guests alike through the function, making the appropriate formal announcements as required. I am also available to act as compere if there is a cabaret and assist in running charity auctions and raffles etc. Even when not actually engaged in performing an official duty, I will be an unobtrusive presence throughout your event, always on hand to make sure that it runs smoothly and to time.
Weddings: the preparation involved in organising such an important occasion is often a stressful time and everyone wants it to be both memorable and happy. By engaging me as your toastmaster, all worries will be removed and you and your guests will be able to relax and enjoy each other’s company on your special day.
Corporate dinners and award ceremonies: raise profile and add prestige to you and your business or industry, but only if they run well. Using my professional event management skills, I will provide exactly the level of formality (or informality) you require. With me as your toastmaster, your event will run smoothly and to time, reflecting well on you and your company and thus succeeding in its aim – to benefit your business.
City and other formal banquets: I am experienced and well-versed in the necessary protocol and etiquette to perform my duties with dignity and style.
A Toastmaster is the public face of the event organiser. I always liaise well in advance with the hosts or organisers, to receive their instructions and timetable and to offer them my advice about planning, if requested. I may even visit the venue in advance to familiarise myself with the layout if it is one that is not normally used for functions. On the day, I will arrive at least an hour before the event is due to begin to liaise with EVERYONE involved (caterers/banqueting manager, security, photographer, musicians, DJ, Registrar etc) to make sure that nothing has been forgotten or overlooked. Throughout the function I take responsibility for making any little unexpected problems look as if they never happened (I always have emergency wedding dress repair pins to hand!). I then guide hosts and guests alike through the function, making the appropriate formal announcements as required. I am also available to act as compere if there is a cabaret and assist in running charity auctions and raffles etc. Even when not actually engaged in performing an official duty, I will be an unobtrusive presence throughout your event, always on hand to make sure that it runs smoothly and to time.
Weddings: the preparation involved in organising such an important occasion is often a stressful time and everyone wants it to be both memorable and happy. By engaging me as your toastmaster, all worries will be removed and you and your guests will be able to relax and enjoy each other’s company on your special day.
Corporate dinners and award ceremonies: raise profile and add prestige to you and your business or industry, but only if they run well. Using my professional event management skills, I will provide exactly the level of formality (or informality) you require. With me as your toastmaster, your event will run smoothly and to time, reflecting well on you and your company and thus succeeding in its aim – to benefit your business.
City and other formal banquets: I am experienced and well-versed in the necessary protocol and etiquette to perform my duties with dignity and style.
Stephen Henderson, Toastmaster & Master of Ceremonies | Telephone / text: 07973 254472 | Email: [email protected]
