The main duty of the Toastmaster of the Evening is to act as a genial host and conduct the entire program, including introducing participants.
* You should introduce the program participants in a way that excites the audience and motivates them to listen.
* You should create an atmosphere of interest, expectation and receptivity.
BEFORE THE MEETING:
* Check what the theme for the evening is and try to incorporate it during the evening.
* Check with the VPE if there are any agenda amendments.
AT THE MEETING:
* Try to arrive early to finalise any last-minute details.
* Sit near the front of the room because you’ll be up and down a lot during the meeting.
* Preside with sincerity, energy and decisiveness.
* Take your audience on a pleasant journey and make them feel that all is going well. It is your job to make sure that everyone knows what is happening. Briefly describe what each part of the agenda is all about – especially to the guests.
* Always lead the applause.
* Remain standing near the lectern after your introduction until the speaker has acknowledged you and assumed control of the meeting; then be seated.
* Introduce the evaluator to introduce the speaker and their objectives before each speech.
* If anyone forgets part of the agenda, you do it.
* Hand control of the meeting to the VPE for the Business Session at the end of the meeting, VPE to hand control of meeting to President for closure of meeting.
