About Me
As your toastmaster, you can be assured that I will bring the right balance of formality, fun and function to your event, tailored to the style of service you specify, whether that be quiet and formal, or spontaneous and casual.
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As a singer, musician and performer, my focus is on putting the audience at the heart of any event to ensure they have a good time. As a toastmaster, this priority goes hand-in-hand with taking care of the logistics so that the event runs seamlessly and on time, allowing you, the hosts, to fully relax and enjoy the event without any organisational worries.
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I qualified as a professional toastmaster with the National Association of Toastmasters after being asked to be the best man and toastmaster at a friend’s wedding; it seemed a natural career progression for me, given my spontaneous comedic personality and love of entertaining. I’m actually a trained singer, drummer, actor and front man. I am also a retired police sergeant.
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Please get in touch on 07706 844 003 or via the email form on the Get in Touch page if you would like to discuss using my services as a toastmaster or if you would like to hire a band, singer or PA.
About the Toastmaster
A toastmaster doesn't just make toasts.
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"The concept of a toastmaster as merely a loud voice who bangs a gavel and make a few announcements is completely inaccurate – even though those few announcements are often the only visible signs to indicate his presence. He is an expert in procedure and etiquette and adds dignity to each and every occasion." (natuk.com)
The toastmaster's role
As a fully qualified NAT toastmaster I am skilled as:​
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Master of ceremonial
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Surrogate host
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Management specialist
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Event co-ordinator
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Protocol, procedure and etiquette expert
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Compere
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Diplomat
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Presenter
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Announcer
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Group organiser
Do I need a toastmaster?
Booking me, a professional member of the National Association of Toastmasters, ensures the following:
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You will be free to concentrate on making amazing memories on your big day while I take the weight off your shoulders.
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I will give you independent advice and on-going consultancy on the different facets of the event.
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I will conduct your event with authority and dignity, and will add that extra “touch of class” and style to complement the occasion.
How do I hire a good toastmaster?
Choose a professional toastmaster who is accredited by an association or who is a member of a guild. This will ensure they are trained to a specific standard. The National Association of Toastmasters (founded 1954) provides toastmasters of the highest quality throughout the United Kingdom.
Did you know...?
Nine-tenths of a toastmaster’s work goes unseen. Although making announcements is part of the role, planning, checking, liaising with others and preparing makes up most of the work.
My Role as Toastmaster at Your Event
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You will be free from stress and able to enjoy the occasion with your guests because I will help make your event as special and memorable as you would wish it to be by taking any organisational weight off your shoulders.
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You will love the way I stay approachable and unflappable and ready to assist throughout the day. I aim to add a touch of elegance and and as much formality as you would like to your event.
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Your event will run smoothly because I will provide a first class service. My meticulous attention to detail and knowledge of protocol and etiquette will ensure this.​
Please contact me for any UK event.
Testimonials
Jez hosted our school’s family-friendly music festival, Boughtonfest, in 2018 and 2019, and did an amazing job of keeping the audience informed and entertained throughout the day. His humorous interactions with the crowd and skill of knowing just how much to say and when meant the day’s events proceeded smoothly, with everyone able to relax and enjoy themselves. I would certainly recommend Jez for any MC or event hosting role.
Jez was the glue that helped run our wedding day! Not only was he our Best Man, but our Toastmaster too, he liased with the venue staff, the band, the photographers, the catering team, our elderly family members and drunken guests throughout our wedding day to enable us to enjoy the day without worrying about timings and where everyone was for photographs, dinner and our first dance. Jez went above and beyond all we had hoped for as our Toastmaster, from his background with the Police and being a front man in a few bands Jez can handle pretty much any situation and can charm his way around most people! He is also very flexable too, having to pretty much re write his best man speech on the spot during delivery due to parts of it already being stolen by other speakers! If you are looking for someone who feels more like an old friend rather than a man in a red jacket, I would highly recommend using Jez as as your Toastmaster.
Ruth Roberts, 11 April 2021
Sam Tomlinson, 24 August 2018
Get in Touch
I am committed to helping to make your day wonderful and unique. Please get in touch to find out about fees or ask any questions.
Get in touch on 07706 844 003, fill in the form below or email me at jezdruce@gmail.com. I look forward to hearing from you!