Q. Why do we need a Toastmaster? Isn't that the Best Man's Job?

Q. The hotel where the reception is being held say that they will look after the announcements so that should be all right, shouldn't it?

Q. The manager at the reception venue says that he can include a Toastmaster as part of the package, so why should we engage you?

Q. You seem rather expensive, we have spoken to people who are offering to do it for less.

Q. I've decided to engage a professional Toastmaster and now you have told me that you are already engaged that day. Where do I go now?

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Q. Why do we need a Toastmaster? Isn't that the Best Man's job?

A. The Best Man is there because he is the best friend of the Bridegroom. The Bridegroom want's his friend to participate in his big day and has honoured him by inviting to fulfil the best man's role. The best man has not been chosen because of his organisational skills or his experience in looking after the needs of the wedding party, and the guests. He is a friend, treat him as one by not placing the responsibility of ensuring the smooth running of your big day on his shoulders.

 

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Q. The hotel where the reception is being held say that they will look after the announcements so that should be all right, shouldn't it?

A. This usually means that the Head Waiter or banqueting manager will try to fit in the Toastmaster role along side of his other duties. His other duties are onerous and demanding. He is responsible for ensuring that the wedding breakfast is served properly. He will be fully employed supervising his staff, ensuring that the meal is served correctly. In many cases he will be the Duty Manager at the hotel with responsibility for dealing with incidents that occur elsewhere in the premises. If such an incident occurs during your wedding breakfast you will, of necessity, be left to your own resources.

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Q. The manager at the reception venue says that he can include a Toastmaster as part of the package, so why should we engage you?

A. If a Toastmaster is provided as part of the package he will be working for the hotel or banqueting suite in the same way as the chef, the waiters and the bar staff. If something goes wrong his responsibility is the hotel, his employer. An independent Toastmaster, engaged by you, has no such allegiance to the hotel. His responsibility is to you and you alone. You can rely on him to deal with any problems on your behalf, not as an apologist for the hotel.

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Q. You seem rather expensive, we have spoken to people who offer to do it for less.

A. Anyone can buy a red coat and advertise himself as a Toastmaster. Such an individual may be good, bad or indifferent. It is an old adage that you get what you pay for. By engaging Michael Bowdrey, you can rest assured, safe in the knowledge that he has the training of the One to One Professional Toastmasters Association behind him, that he has officiated at countless weddings and has many letters of recommendation from satisfied clients.

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Q. I've decided to engage a professional Toastmaster and now you have told me that you are already engaged that day. Where do I go now?

A. As a member of the One to One Professional Toastmasters Association, I have access to all of the other members of the Association and the dates of their engagements. If , unhappily I am not available on the date of your wedding, I will find a professional Toastmaster who is and I will put him in touch with you.

 

 

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These are questions I am most frequently asked. If there are any you have, that I haven't answered here, please feel free to get in touch and I will be most happy to help.