Detailed below are a number of the most frequently asked questions. However, please be assured that if the answer to your question is not shown then you have only to contact me and I will be more than happy to help.

Q. We had not considered engaging a Toastmaster for our Wedding, are Toastmasters becoming more popular, and if so why? A. The custom of engaging a Toastmaster to officiate at Wedding Receptions has indeed increased in recent years. There may well be many reasons for this. Certainly the fact that the Bride and Bridegroom want their special day to be as stress free as possible is an important one and this is where a Toastmaster is invaluable. The Toastmaster is there to ensure that everything runs according to plan thus ensuring that everyone else can relax and celebrate the occasion. It is also true to state that the presence of a Toastmaster will undoubtedly impress your friends and guests, and help add that touch of class to the occasion. Q. Why Engage a Toastmaster?A. The easiest way to answer this question is to detail some of the tasks that a Toastmaster will be required to undertake. The professional Toastmaster is an expert in procedure, protocol and etiquette, his presence adds dignity and helps to make each and every occasion even more memorable.
This is one of the reasons that Toastmasters are now often engaged to assist at conferences and company presentations. Such events involve large numbers of people and it is here that the Toastmaster's tact, diplomacy and management skills come to the fore ensuring that all runs smoothly.
Prior to the event the Toastmaster will work in close liaison with the client to ensure that all matters of detail and planning are addressed. It is in this pre-event planning that the Toastmasters knowledge of protocol and event organisation is invaluable. Perhaps it is not surprising therefore, that due to this diligent planning that ninety percent of a Toastmaster’s activity is never seen by the majority of people attending a function. However, the Toastmasters discrete and unobtrusive attention to detail and close liaison throughout the event ensures that it flows, apparently quite effortlessly, to the successful conclusion, which is the client’s aim and wish.
Q. The hotel have stated that they can provide a member of staff to act as Toastmaster; that should be all right, shouldn't it?A. My advice is to check with the hotel to ascertain if the person they will provide is a professional Toastmaster or whether it is a member of staff that will be detailed to undertake the task. If this is the case then caution is called for. Very often this person will be trying to fit in the role of Toastmaster alongside their other duties. Duties, which in themselves are often onerous and time consuming.
The result is that instead of having a professional Toastmaster who is dedicated and focussed solely on your event you have an individual who is endeavouring to juggle a number of different tasks all at the same time.
If the hotel is offering such a service it is always best to ascertain the professional status of the individual and confirm to which Guild or Association they belong.
Q. OK, if we are considering engaging a Toastmaster how do we decide which one will be the best for us?A. Recommendation is often one of the best ways. However, if that is not an option then I would suggest speaking with a number of Toastmasters. Even from a brief conversation you should be able to tell if this is the person that you would wish to entrust with your special event.
Q. What about qualifications, what should I look for?A. A very good question and also an important one. It is essential to ensure that the person you engage is competent and has been properly trained. One of the ways of ensuring this is to ask for details of training and membership of professional bodies.
Q. Are you a Professional Toastmaster, and if so, to what organization do you belong?A. Yes, I am a professional Toastmaster and a Graduate of the United Kingdom School of Professional Toastmasters. The governing body to which I belong is the Association of the United Kingdom School of Professional Toastmasters. This is one of the largest professional bodies for Toastmasters in the Country. In addition I am also a member of the Northern Guild of Toastmasters.

Q. How long in advance should we book a Toastmaster?A. Generally, the sooner you decide to book, the greater choice you will have. Most Toastmasters take bookings 12/18 months in advance. However, my advice would be to book your Toastmaster once your date and venue have been confirmed. Q. What is the expense involved?A. It is very difficult to provide a definitive answer without knowing a number of facts, for example:
a. The location and distance that I am required to travel.
b. The amount of time that I will be required to be in attendance at the event.
c. The specific nature of your requirements.
d. The amount of pre-event planning required.
e. The complexity of the event.
If you would care to Email me with your requirement I will be delighted to provide a quotation. Alternatively, please give me a call and I will be happy to discuss your requirements at length.
Q. Why do we need a Toastmaster when we have a Best Man? A. This is a question that is often asked, though never by the Best Man. The reason for the Best Man’s presence is to support the Bridegroom. Traditionally he is the Bride Groom's friend and it is a singular mark of honour that he has been asked by the Bridegroom to fulfil the role and duties of Best Man. However, the Bridegroom also wants him to be able to fully participate in and enjoy your very special day. This is very difficult to do if he is trying to undertake the duties of a Toastmaster.
Also, the Best Man was not chosen because of his organisational skills or his experience in looking after the needs of the wedding party and the guests. Nor for his detailed knowledge of the protocol and procedures surrounding your Wedding. He is a friend; treat him as one by not placing on his inexperienced shoulders the onerous responsibility of ensuring the smooth running of this very special day.
Q. Do you attend the church service? A. The Toastmaster does not normally attend the Church Service. Rather, whilst the Service is underway I will be at the venue checking final details and liaising with the staff to ensure that everything is ready for your arrival. Having ensured that all is well I will then be waiting to receive you upon your arrival.
Q. How long will you stay at our wedding reception?A. My duties will normally be complete at the end of the table formalities. However, if you wish me to stay to the end of the first dance or to the end of the evening reception this can be arranged.
Q. Is it customary to provide a meal for you and if so where would you sit during the meal?A. I do not insist on a meal, but if you choose to do so it would be gratefully received. As a rule it will generally be taken away from the main wedding breakfast.

Q. What is the traditional dress for a Toastmaster?A. The traditional dress for a Toastmaster is a red tailcoat, stiff fronted formal white dress shirt, white bow tie, white waistcoat, white gloves, black dress suit trousers and black leather shoes. In addition I wear the collaret of my professional association.