.The Role as a Toastmaster at Civic, Corporate, & other Occasions
Planning is everything and after an initial meeting with the event secretary or organiser either in person or by video link. I will draw up a list of preambles (allocutions in the City of London) and make recommendations regarding etiquette and protocol for the event, which I will then discuss with the organiser. This will therefore ensure that all the key guests, on top table, are given due reverence and the speeches scheduled accordingly.
Whether the event is a corporate dinner, a company product launch or a civic reception, I would be there in plenty of time, I will therefore meet with the venue and event management teams and any other parties to ensure that last minute changes are agreed and understood by all concerned. Having changed into my distinctive Red Toastmaster’s Jacket I would be available to meet the members and their guests on arrival and direct them accordingly.
After calling dinner I will announce and lead in the key guests to their tables and should it be required say or announce grace. During the meal I will be at hand to take directions from the Host to assist say with the raffle, and ensure that all the speakers are aware of the format and timings involved.
I will introduce those making any toasts and/or speeches according to the agreed protocol and once top table is ready to take its leave, announce and lead them from the room if required.
Any event involves a considerable financial commitment and it is important that the organisation is professionally presented. My presence therefore, as your Professional Toastmaster, enables all parties concerned to enjoy the event in the knowledge that the proceedings will unfold on time and in a manner befitting the host.
What They Say
When I was asked to organise a formal charity ball at St. David’s Hotel in Hawarden, North Wales, there was only one man I wanted to join the team – Chris Caroe. Chris is an utterly professional Toastmaster and, resplendent in his red uniform, he makes an impressive figure. But his role that night was much more than making announcements! His unflappable composure and calm assured manner ensured that the whole evening – a fast mix of charity auction/celebrity acts and dancing, flowed smoothly and without hitch. He not only organised a large, boisterous audience, he also ensured that the celebrity entertainers were given the appropriate support and structure and cleverly controlled the momentum of our ambitious schedule. He helped make the event both enjoyable and very successful. We raised an extraordinary amount of donations to buy a specialist wheelchair for a disabled child…..so “thank you” Chris from both myself and little Gracie!
We recently held our second Annual Dinner for our local investment industry with Chris Caroe as our Toastmaster. We were highly impressed with Chris’s professionalism throughout the evening as well as adding some personal touches at those times that required them. I would highly recommend Chris to anyone who requires a Toastmaster and I hope our paths cross again in future.
If there is anything else where we feel your considerable skills would benefit, we would have no hesitation in contacting you for again and indeed, would recommend you to others. Please do the same for our event and PR skills and hopefully we will be working together more in the future.