Toastmaster in England

Toastmaster Paul Deacon has been looking after events for almost 30 years and has enough experience to be a perfect performer for any type of wedding, corporate dinner, awards ceremony or conference. He will only offer advice when needed and make sure that every celebration goes the way that the hosts want, with the right people in the right place at the right time.

What do you need to know from an organiser in order to provide a comprehensive quote?

So that I can offer a comprehensive quote I ideally need to know the event type, date and venue and the names of the organisers.

What advice would you give to a customer looking to hire a provider in your area of work?

Read reviews online and chat through your needs with the provider.
My duties vary hugely from event to event. A priority might be that flowers, cake and chefs are ready. At other times it is introducing speakers. And every now and then I might have to do a bit of crisis management.
Most importantly, I follow the instructions from my clients. Often a Bride and Bridegroom or perhaps an Event Manager. I then coordinate the day with the Banqueting Manager, camera teams, entertainers and other suppliers. I get a real buzz out of making a wedding day special.

Please tell us a little bit about how and why you started the business.

In Toastmaster terms, I am unique. In a career lasting nearly 30 years, no other Toastmaster has travelled so far and dealt with such a variety of work for so many dignitaries and celebrities or visited so many prestigious venues and used as many languages. I have looked after many events for British and international clients ranging from English, Jewish and Asian weddings to dinners and awards ceremonies from Los Angeles to Hong Kong and Singapore
I started my career as a Toastmaster as it let me combine previous hobbies of acting and running a Youth Drama Group and a solo chorister. In 2013 I was President of the National Association of Toastmasters.
Every wedding is different. Over nearly thirty years working as a Toastmaster, I’ve learnt that:
1. The Bride and Bridegroom generally know what they want. It’s up to me to find out what that is and deliver it in an appropriate way
2. I wear a formal uniform but not everyone wants formality – maintaining traditions is often more important
3. I am not the star of the show but I am instrumental in making a wedding memorable
4. Some weddings need very little management, and others require a lot!

Please tell us about a booking you've had through Add to Event, how did it go? Would you recommend us to others?

In 2021, I'm an excited newbie to Add to Event and am looking forward to a long and harmonious relationship.