What FD announcement do you make?

[soundtracker]

I use the Queen version of "The Wedding March" from Flash Gordon for my fanfare

[yourdj]

There is a danger in your current presentation syle that this moment, the first dance, is visually and vocally more about you than the B&G.You are inadvertantly deflecting the spotlight away from the B&G until the moment when you actually use their names. This is why I suggest that the "welcome" and the FD should be two seperate events.

You are currently using "Redundant Phrases". Less is more.
Try taking a red pen to the words that are not required. You don't need to ask for a round of applause. The audience will offer this up spontaneously if your announcement is succinct and you inject energy and excitement through your vocal inflection when making the introduction..

Thanks for that. Good advice.
I do need to cut it down and make it more flamboyant.

I do not see any problem introducing myself?
I do not waffle as much in the two videos shown usually.
It more short and sweet.

I use the Queen version of "The Wedding March" from Flash Gordon for my fanfare

I just don't see it. I need a video or something to see it in action.
i cant see it suiting my venues at all.

Can I do it on thier entrance then? As there is always some dead space before they get in position on the floor.

[soundtracker]

Thanks for that. Good advice.
I do need to cut it down and make it more flamboyant.

I do not see any problem introducing myself?
I do not waffle as much in the two videos shown usually.
It more short and sweet.



I just don't see it. I need a video or something to see it in action.
i cant see it suiting my venues at all.

Can I do it on thier entrance then? As there is always some dead space before they get in position on the floor.

Well worth you attending one of Derek's workshops then - you get the opportunity to see the difference between doing it properly, and winging it...very interesting, especially the bits regarding focal points and staging.

[Shakermaker Promotions]

I think the advice by Derekpen is spot on.

We are not the centre of attention at the end of the day and I can understand how it may be seen as that when the DJ, whoever it may be, is out on the floor asking for people's attention but that's what a toastmaster does isn't it. He grabs everyone's attention and let's them know what's going on. I don't think it's a bad thing if DJ's like Toby want to get out there amongst the crowd at any other function, it shows confidence BUT I do think that a wedding is about no'one else other than the Bride & Groom and we should know our place really and that's behind the console.

Say what you have to say, don't overkill it and don't state the obvious. I would say the most important thing is the announcement. As I said previously, I ask the Bride & Groom in advance at the meeting as to how they would like to be announced and on a number of occasions I have been told "Blimey, we didn't really think about that".

There was an occasion last summer when I did a wedding and it had already been agreed that the Bride & Groom wanted to be announced as "Rob & Donna" so that's how I announced them. Just after I had said it and they were doing their first dance infront of their guests, I had a tap on the shoulder from one of the mother in laws who said politely "Excuse me, it's actually Mr & Mrs Denham!"...I explained that I did what the Bride & Groom wanted me to do and she said "Oh, sorry, no problem!".

[DerekPen]

Toby,
Try this, remenber less is more.

a] make your "welcome" introduction and "Up for a party" announcement 5 minutes before the B & G first dance.

b] set the stage, organise where the B & G are going to enter from and the route to the dance floor.

c] engage the best man or bridesmades to ensure the doorway and path are kept clear and that all VIPs are in the room.

d] stay behind your equipment and play the fanfare.[Loud]
"Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome into the room your Bride & Groom, James and Sarah.........the new Mr & Mrs wilkinson!" Have a version the wedding march playing underneath your announcement and raise the volume as they walk in.

e] Fade out the wedding march as they stand on the dancefloor and introduce their song.

NB:
You don't have to use the wedding march but it does fit the occassion. I have also used "The darkness-I believe in a thing called love" or the Corus section of Madness's "It must be love". The important thing is to have an appropriate piece of music playing as they transition from the entrance to the dancefloor.

In order for this to work you need to adopt a much more authorative and dynamic vocal performance. Think of the faceless announcer who introduces X factor. The announcements and introductions are exagerated and theatrical for a reason. It grabs attention and demands a response.
I'm not suggesting you need go that far but we all need to realise that this moment is unique and demands attention to detail.This is not easy and needs to be rehearsed and practised.

hope this helps.

[Javlingames]

Excellent derek.

[Shakermaker Promotions]

Again, great stuff Derek.
A lot of what you have said, I do already myself, especially wherever possible, getting the Bride & Groom to make an entrance. I say to them pre-function that they may well have been in the room talking to their guests etc already but it's an important part of the whole occasion and you only do it once so it's worth making a big deal about it.

I actually made myself an intro / under the announcement mp3 using audacity which I play once I start talking. It plays as they make their way to the dancefloor and on cue, as I announce them, their first dance track starts. I think it's very professional and I prefer it this way. I'm glad that what I am doing seems to be the right thing to do. It may not be to everybodys taste but I like it.

[DerekPen]

Shakermaker,
sorry I do not know your real name, I'm still finding my feet on this forum.

It sounds like you are indeed on the right track.

At the end of the day there are no Right or Wrong, Good or Bad, to what we do. Everything is subjective and all of us have their own opinions. The important thing is for us to be open and willing to look for change and improvement in what we do.

Randy Bartlett had the right idea with his 1% Solution series of DVDs. I would certainly recommend them to those who wish to raise their game and step outside of their comfort zone.

[Shakermaker Promotions]

Derek, just call me Gary. I've been posting a while now and I don't know many people's real names on this forum so I wouldn't worry. It's not rudeness on my part by the way, it's just a bad memory!

I've never been one for reading literature on the subject or watching DVDs etc and would rather get tips etc from places like this. I found that watching certain others do their thing taught me how NOT to do things. I'm not perfect and I know I could be a lot more confident on the mic etc but I have never had any complaints, more compliments.

As you said, everyone will have their own way of doing things and what may work for some may not work for others. I'm quite encouraged however, in the fact that I do what seems to be (if there is a right way?), the right way.

[yourdj]

getting the Bride & Groom to make an entrance. I say to them pre-function that they may well have been in the room talking to their guests.

I actually made myself an intro / under the announcement mp3 using audacity which I play once I start talking. It plays as they make their way to the dancefloor and on cue, as I announce them, their first dance track starts.

I am intrigued as this is something that could be improved on my end. What does it sound like?

Getting the bride and groom (usually just the bride) while everyone is chatting is a good thing IMO as I often discuss how they want the entrance (unless its discussed in the meeting) etc. I just double check everything as I have had a few people change their names/first dance etc. and not even tell me or the venue. Luckily i have asked them.

I'm not perfect and I know I could be a lot more confident on the mic etc but I have never had any complaints, more compliments.I'm quite encouraged however, in the fact that I do what seems to be (if there is a right way?), the right way.

Are you up for going to birmingham? We can pick you up.
May be staying over night though?