“The English Toastmaster”
A presentation given by Dave Pearson,
Immediate Past Chairman of the Guild of Professional Toastmasters and Principal Trainer of the Academy of Toastmasters
At the General Meeting on 15 March, Dave Pearson presented a fascinating picture of the role of the professional toastmaster and described himself as “an event-planner with a difference”. The skills required to take charge of large groups of people (without bullying them!) were diplomacy, tact and discretion, he said. For those aiming for Fellowship of the Guild (established in 1968), the training was rigorous and usually took 18 months to complete, starting with five days’ taught course work, followed by one additional day of practical work. In addition, candidates were required to sit a written examination of two and half hours’ duration for which the pass mark was 70%. They were further required to attend an interview at the Guild to ensure that they were competent in the skills required to perform their duties. Following the successful completion of training and subsequent work placements, refresher courses and ‘attachments’ were offered by the Guild to ensure that its Fellows maintained their professional skills in an ever-changing market place.
The cost of basic training to become a professional toastmaster was currently in the region of £2,750, added to which was around £800 for the uniform and £40 for a gavel and block. Clearly, it was not a path to follow without the intention to complete the training and start earning fees.
Dave explained that the livery worn by a Fellow of the GPT was introduced in the 19th century: a ‘hunting pink’ jacket with matching waistcoat, white shirt and starched bow tie, black evening trousers and black patent leather shoes. This differed from the black tailcoat worn by the City of London toastmasters because, historically, the hunt was “not allowed to ride through the City” although, today, the latter do wear a ‘pink’ sash!
Dave outlined the range of events to which a professional toastmaster is invited, notably, weddings of all faiths; corporate events; civil functions; masonic ladies’ nights; bar mitzvahs; product launches and receptions. Toastmasters (no toast mistresses – although there are certainly ladies within the profession!) are lucky enough to work in some of the most beautiful locations and at prestigious events. The challenge is to remain abreast of a changing social scene to avoid breaches of etiquette. He concluded his talk with one or two very funny anecdotes to illustrate what can happen when things don’t go according to plan.
This was a fascinating glimpse into the life of an English Toastmaster. I believe it was a revelation to most of us!
Janet Cato
March 2016
The cost of basic training to become a professional toastmaster was currently in the region of £2,750, added to which was around £800 for the uniform and £40 for a gavel and block. Clearly, it was not a path to follow without the intention to complete the training and start earning fees.
Dave explained that the livery worn by a Fellow of the GPT was introduced in the 19th century: a ‘hunting pink’ jacket with matching waistcoat, white shirt and starched bow tie, black evening trousers and black patent leather shoes. This differed from the black tailcoat worn by the City of London toastmasters because, historically, the hunt was “not allowed to ride through the City” although, today, the latter do wear a ‘pink’ sash!
Dave outlined the range of events to which a professional toastmaster is invited, notably, weddings of all faiths; corporate events; civil functions; masonic ladies’ nights; bar mitzvahs; product launches and receptions. Toastmasters (no toast mistresses – although there are certainly ladies within the profession!) are lucky enough to work in some of the most beautiful locations and at prestigious events. The challenge is to remain abreast of a changing social scene to avoid breaches of etiquette. He concluded his talk with one or two very funny anecdotes to illustrate what can happen when things don’t go according to plan.
This was a fascinating glimpse into the life of an English Toastmaster. I believe it was a revelation to most of us!
Janet Cato
March 2016