THE TOASMASTER - THE PROFESSIONAL

by Graham Hunt A.T.D.

The role and work of a professional toastmaster on the Wedding Day is of tremendous importance and is essential to the smooth procedure of the event according to the wishes of his* client. It is his training, his knowledge, skills and expertise that give the client confidence in his abilities.

* I will use the word `his' for convenience well knowing that there are very good lady toastmasters in many parts of the country.

There are professional toastmasters and there are those who do or do not wear the splendid uniform of a toastmaster who undertake to officiate for clients at Wedding days. The professional also has high level Public Liability Insurance.

The differences between them are often vast and the public's sometimes-uncertain knowledge of the role of the toastmaster does allow for unsatisfactory outcomes from time to time. There are many things that can go wrong but a good toastmaster's experience helps him find a satisfactory solution or prevents some things from going wrong before they happen.

Pre-day communication with his clients is an essential requirement as this enables him to plan and to learn the names of the principles. In this respect he is also a consultant and advisor. He also liaises with those who are responsible for the presentation of the meal. In addition he must know  the geography of the venue.

The Wedding Ceremony is where the Bride and Bridegroom or civil partners take their vows and make their commitments according to religious, civil and formal lawful requirements of the country in which they live.

These ceremonies are outside the remit of the professional toastmaster but he can contribute to the atmosphere and overall presentations at civil ceremonies with the agreement of the registrar. He may ensure that both the Bride and Bridegroom meet seperately with the registrar prior to the ceremony and can announce the entrance of the Bride and her escorts into the room. He may well announce the newly married couple when leaving the ceremony.

Now the celebrations can really begin and the toastmaster takes control. His involvement and co-operation with the venue is paramount.

Everything is now under his watchful eye and he co-ordinates the support services of photographer/video services, musicians and entertainers and always keeping in touch with the Banqueting Manager/Caterer and a wary eye on his watch. A slow photographer often makes for an unhappy chef.

Within his official duties he arranges the Receiving Line in the most suitable way for his clients. This can prove daunting as the make up and relationships of the respective families can vary tremendously. Diplomacy is one of his trademarks. He checks the table plan for unfamiliar names (the pronunciation of Polish and Celtic names spring to mind) and the top table`s places for correctness.

After all guests are at the table`s he announces and escorts the Bride and Bridegroom into the room and will announce a Grace if required or introduce someone who has been delegated for this.

His next official duty is often not undertaken until the ceremony of cutting the cake at the end of the meal followed by the speeches. This too is where liaison with the venue is very important. Unofficially he may well stay within the call of his clients during the meal.

There is a correct procedure for the speeches and his preparations become evident in the manner in which he presents them bearing in mind the presentation of gifts by the Bride and Bridegroom. When the speeches are finished he announces the end of the formalities and takes his leave at this point unless he has been asked to announce the first dance.

During the day there are other ways he can help which do not appear in the summary of duties mentioned above as his principle focus is on the Bride and Bridegroom, Host and Hostess and their guests.