View Full Version : Toastmasters
Solitaire Events Ltd
30-12-2007, 04:23 PM
Help or hinderance?
For weddings I find that they get in the way and try and do your job for you. We had a wedding recently with one and the client had specified that they didn't want the DJ to say anything at all!
The toastmaster introduced the B&G and announced the buffet.
This particular man phoned me the day before the function to make sure we had the first song!! How would he feel if I phoned him and asked if he remembered his white gloves...
At Masonic/round table type functions, I can see their validity, but if you have a bit of experience and common sense you shouldn't need these people to do your job for you at a wedding IMO.
Penfold42
30-12-2007, 04:34 PM
I have one on NYE....never worked with them before. So can't give you an opion..........although i've managed 4 weddings without one......so read into that what you like......:D :D :D :D :D :D :D
CRAZY K
30-12-2007, 04:50 PM
:bang:
Help or hinderance?
For weddings I find that they get in the way and try and do your job for you. We had a wedding recently with one and the client had specified that they didn't want the DJ to say anything at all!
The toastmaster introduced the B&G and announced the buffet.
This particular man phoned me the day before the function to make sure we had the first song!! How would he feel if I phoned him and asked if he remembered his white gloves...
At Masonic/round table type functions, I can see their validity, but if you have a bit of experience and common sense you shouldn't need these people to do your job for you at a wedding IMO.
Yes a Pain!!!!!!!!!
My only gig with one was in May and the first thing he started doing was hassling me saying--when will you be ready to start--at a venue with a very difficult turn round--all tables moved around and a space created at the top of the room for me.
He said ive got a PA like yours---well well fancy that now:rolleyes:
Yes how VERY interesting that was---:bang:
Eventually he said --how do I introduce you?
I said--I am the Caller who needs NO introduction thanks Ill do it myself --
Mutter mutter ---off!!!!!!!!!!
Fairly harmless but I suppose they have to justify the fee--REMINDS ME OF BRUCE FORSYTH---IM IN CHARGE:eek:
CRAZY K
CRAZY K
30-12-2007, 04:52 PM
I have one on NYE....never worked with them before. So can't give you an opion..........although i've managed 4 weddings without one......so read into that what you like......:D :D :D :D :D :D :D
Is this the Wedding from Hell--sorry I mean pick a laser colour and a tune that wont work:D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D
CRAZY K
wensleydale
30-12-2007, 04:55 PM
Is this the Wedding from Hell--sorry I mean pick a laser colour and a tune that wont work:D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D
CRAZY K
eh??
infinity disco uk
30-12-2007, 05:16 PM
All a toast master tends to be is a town cryer whos scared of the cold and is fed up with people not listening to what he has to say......................tends to be the same situation indors as well :D
Shaun
30-12-2007, 05:16 PM
eh??
He's reffering to topic of Tony's that's in the MDD Suporters area.
CRAZY K
30-12-2007, 05:20 PM
eh??
There will be a report on here NYD
New Years Day!
Im sure:D
CRAZY K
djsteve10
30-12-2007, 05:28 PM
I had one recently who was using my mic to annouce with,... fair enough he said good evening and asked the guests to be seated then stormed over to me and said the eq is pants and started to change it.... then i started the 1st dance when he give me the nodd, then he come storming over and started to take his hands on the mixer and do his own levels, he then took the next track and started to mess around so i put my headphones down and said to him "who is the dj here me or you mate" he just said " i am doing my bit" so i said well dont you stick to your polite speaking and ill stick to the music.
ian8limelight
30-12-2007, 05:52 PM
I've worked with both good and bad Toastmasters at both Masonic functions and Weddings.
They are certainly beneficial for the former type of function, making the Gala Dinner go smoothly and normally to time(ish) but, for weddings, I have found some of them to be in the same 'era' as some photographers (i.e. to get on with the first dance so that they can go home).
Penfold42
30-12-2007, 06:17 PM
Without going to far off topic...
Is this the Wedding from Hell--sorry I mean pick a laser colour and a tune that wont work:D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D
CRAZY K
eh??
He's reffering to topic of Tony's that's in the MDD Suporters area.
Indeed...worth the extra pound a month....IMO:)
There will be a report on here NYD
New Years Day!
Im sure:D
CRAZY K
Indeed again......:D
They are certainly beneficial for the former type of function, making the Gala Dinner go smoothly and normally to time(ish) but, for weddings, I have found some of them to be in the same 'era' as some photographers (i.e. to get on with the first dance so that they can go home).
Back on topic......do they not also watch time and set the gates of time....that whosever crosses the time gate get's a thick ear.....:D
That's how i see it...i've heard they are good at this.....:)
Solitaire Events Ltd
30-12-2007, 06:35 PM
I worked with one earlier this year and heard him moaning 'cos the guests got their dinner before he got his!!
Penfold42
30-12-2007, 06:38 PM
I worked with one earlier this year and heard him moaning 'cos the guests got their dinner before he got his!!
:eek: :eek: :eek: :eek:
Dragonfly
30-12-2007, 06:43 PM
i've only had one experience of a toastmaster and it was a very good one indeed ..... it is to date the only wedding ive ever done that ran to time .... to the absolute minute.... was told i could set up 5.30pm so 5.30pm he ushered everyone through to the bar for drinks ..... first dance 7.45pm on the dot
most definately i worked along side him as a fellow professional and it went very very well indeed.
He said ive got a PA like yours---well well fancy that now:rolleyes:
..... it's just the same... two noisy black boxes and a shiny box with knobs on.....
I worked with one earlier this year and heard him moaning 'cos the guests got their dinner before he got his!!
Mmmm. Depends what kind of function.
At the charity dinners I go to, it is essential that the toastmaster / director of ceremonies is fed at the same time as the main guests, because he has work to do both before and immediately after the guest of honour has eaten. Otherwise, who introduces the toasts and the after-dinner speakers?
The toastmaster can't... he's still eating!
The guests can listen to toasts while finishing their meal... but if the Toastmaster hasn't finished his, everyone has to wait.
Really, it's just a case of one professional not understanding another professional's needs.... we've all been on the other end of that, haven't we?
:eek:
djsteve10
31-12-2007, 09:58 AM
But is it a requirement to feed the toastmaster?
Excalibur
31-12-2007, 10:01 AM
But is it a requirement to feed the toastmaster?
It certainly isn't a requirement to feed the DJ! ;) :D
djsteve10
31-12-2007, 10:08 AM
It certainly isn't a requirement to feed the DJ! ;) :D
Exactly so why should they feed the toastmaster.... he turns up does a couple of hours work and goes home, we leave 2 hours prior... work the night and then dont get home until 2 hours after the function has ended. I normally have to get KFC or a kebab on the way home as i haven't been fed lol.
It certainly isn't a requirement to feed the DJ! ;) :D
Feeding the DJ (and roadie) is a clearly stated requirement on my contracts... I copied them (with permission) from an American DJ when I started off, and so far there have been no problems.
djsteve10
31-12-2007, 10:31 AM
Feeding the DJ (and roadie) is a clearly stated requirement on my contracts... I copied them (with permission) from an American DJ when I started off, and so far there have been no problems.
Do you not feel it's abit cheeky to put that in your terms and conditions?
I always find the offer is better than " I must feed the dj" type thing.
We are there to provide a service and should be prepared. At the end of the day we aren't guests but the gesture of "go help yourselfs on the buffet" is really nice.
Possibly it's a bit cheeky... but I have never felt embarassed asking...
It's on the front page of the booking form, in amongst all the other details that are asked for... and the tick box reads "will a meal be provided for the dj yes/no". As I talk the client through completing the form, it's just one more question to ask.
So far, nobody's said "no" or even asked why... if they did they would get an explanation of the hours the dj works, setting up, working and packing away... it's a long period without a break and it's quite reasonable to ask for refreshment...
I've had everything from a buffet plate to a silver service meal seated with the guests. No client has yet been anything other than generous when it comes to providing refreshments.
OK... I'm a newbie and there's bound to be a problem sooner or later, but I feel that it is important to get things like this clear with a client before the event.
wensleydale
31-12-2007, 10:55 AM
i dont think theres anything wrong with requesting it if you are there for an extended period of time and need to be at the venue constantly- this is quite common for bigger events, however i would feel very uncomfortable sitting with guests for a meal.....
Vectis
31-12-2007, 10:58 AM
The question is on my questionnaire that I run through with the B+G at the pre-event visit but not in T+Cs. I'd feel terrible if I went and helped myself to a meal to then was challenged because someone didn't read the small print. Worse, if I was 'clocked' but nobody said anything at the time and my reputation took a dint because of it.
Much better to be upfront. I generally introduce the question with a statement about the amount of time on-site etc. and I also ask whether drinks will be provided. Most of the time the reaction is 'I hadn't thought of that - of course we'll sort you out!'.
For your non-wedding private function I'll wait & see. 9 times out of 10 you get an invite. If not, there's crisps and nuts at the bar!
Excalibur
31-12-2007, 11:00 AM
Feeding the DJ (and roadie) is a clearly stated requirement on my contracts... I copied them (with permission) from an American DJ when I started off, and so far there have been no problems.
Along with the crate of Newkie Brown, and the three nubile young ladies!:eek:
Shaun
31-12-2007, 11:09 AM
I'd feel a bit akward requesting food or drink to be honest. Nothing against those that do, but I wonder just how many clients read that clause in the T&Cs' and think to themselves "Can you believe the cheek of them asking to be fed, and making a point of putting it in their terms and conditions". I'm a DJ and know how long some days can be, but if I hired someone and saw that in their T&C's I'd be a bit gobsmacked. Occasionally we have workmen in our house, sometimes the job can take several days...not once have they stated we must provide them with meals and drinks in the written agreement....in fact I've never heard of such a thing until now.
Personally, I'd rather pick up a few sandwiches and some bottled water from a service station en route.
djsteve10
31-12-2007, 11:14 AM
I just normally take a 1ft long subway sandwhich and eat half outside before i start or when they are eating and then eat the rest after ive finished. We are professionals and should be able to deal with this.... Its on the same sort of principal of the bride coming over and saying "my mate is a dj can he play a set on your gear" if you get what i mean.
Much better to be upfront. I generally introduce the question with a statement about the amount of time on-site etc. and I also ask whether drinks will be provided. Most of the time the reaction is 'I hadn't thought of that - of course we'll sort you out!'.
Exactly! :beer1:
Occasionally we have workmen in our house, sometimes the job can take several days...not once have they stated we must provide them with meals and drinks in the written agreement....in fact I've never heard of such a thing until now.
But workmen can leave the job for an hour (or more) to get their lunch...
How happy would clients be if you put on a "mastermix" cd while you went to the chippy? :D
It's because of the specific circumstances... a dj cannot take a break and needs to stay at the venue.... that the dj needs refreshments to be provided.
Along with the crate of Newkie Brown, and the three nubile young ladies!:eek:
A bottle of baby oil and one nubile lady will do me fine... I'm not as young as I used to be! :D
Excalibur
31-12-2007, 12:01 PM
A bottle of baby oil and one nubile lady will do me fine... I'm not as young as I used to be! :D
Nowadays, one Newkie Brown and forget the young lady!
Believe that, and you can knit fog!;) :D
Solitaire Events Ltd
31-12-2007, 12:10 PM
I don't really understand all this "We must get fed, as we have been there a long time"
Sorry, but you can have a meal before you go out and certainly have time to sneak a quick sarnie in somewhere in between.
On a Saturday for example I will eat a main meal at 4pm, which is earlier than I would normally eat if I wasn't working, but that doens't mean I would need to eat again at 9pm. Most people might have a light snack at home, but not a main meal.
Shaun
31-12-2007, 12:13 PM
But workmen can leave the job for an hour (or more) to get their lunch...
How happy would clients be if you put on a "mastermix" cd while you went to the chippy? :D
It's because of the specific circumstances... a dj cannot take a break and needs to stay at the venue.... that the dj needs refreshments to be provided.
A quick bite of my sandwich before I start does the trick. I still don't buy into the thinking that that the client needs to provide refreshments.
Excalibur
31-12-2007, 12:20 PM
I don't really understand all this "We must get fed, as we have been there a long time"
Sorry, but you can have a meal before you go out and certainly have time to sneak a quick sarnie in somewhere in between.
On a Saturday for example I will eat a main meal at 4pm, which is earlier than I would normally eat if I wasn't working, but that doens't mean I would need to eat again at 9pm. Most people might have a light snack at home, but not a main meal.
Agreed. We're big enough to either feed ourselves, or wait till we can Any provision by the customer is a bonus.
Dragonfly
31-12-2007, 12:49 PM
I don't really understand all this "We must get fed, as we have been there a long time"
Sorry, but you can have a meal before you go out and certainly have time to sneak a quick sarnie in somewhere in between.
On a Saturday for example I will eat a main meal at 4pm, which is earlier than I would normally eat if I wasn't working, but that doens't mean I would need to eat again at 9pm. Most people might have a light snack at home, but not a main meal.
agreed .... i did a couple of all day weddings in the summer one was a 11am set up 12 am finish in a marquee had a nice cooked breakfast on the way then nothing till 9.30pm when the brides mum force fed me buffet food as she had noticed id not eaten anything ..... if she hadnt id have just waited until i got home????
12 hours without food ??? doubt if i'll die from it could probably go for a few days me :D :D
ian8limelight
31-12-2007, 01:19 PM
Back on topic......do they not also watch time and set the gates of time....that whosever crosses the time gate get's a thick ear.....:D
That's how i see it...i've heard they are good at this.....:)
:confused: :confused:
theoloyla
31-12-2007, 01:54 PM
I've worked with lots of toastmasters over the years. I usually get on OK with them. Its like anyone else doing a job at a function. Introduce yourself and TRY to get on. My own opinion is that very often I could do the job of the toastmaster as well as they could but at the end of the day that is what the client wants; so get on with it.
I certainly would not tolerate a toastmaster (or anyone else) interfering with my equipment.
As for feeding the dj it really depends on the circumstances. At my Christmas residency it is definately written into the contract that the hotel provides Jan and I with a meal. We are there every night from 7 till midnight during which time we play background music during the meal and it is no hardship for the hotel to provide us with a meal. Likewise tonight at a golf club booked from 7 till 2 the agent has specified that a meal is to be provided for us. If you book a top star their contracts often include all sorts of riders about what they require to be provided. When I worked for Mecca as a resident club dj I always got a staff meal whilst the band or other dj was on. It is accepted practice. However I do accept that there are also some gigs where it is not appropriate. Use your professional judgement!
Corabar Steve
01-01-2008, 11:49 AM
Thank you Theo for your attempt at getting the thread back on topic.
Why did you have to spoil it by going straight off topic again? To the corner with youhttp://planetsmilies.net/not-tagged-smiley-13531.gif (http://planetsmilies.net)
leighinstoke
01-01-2008, 01:10 PM
Only worked with one myself - Jonathan Wilkes' dad - Graham - who's based here in the Pots - he's ok and not the kind of guy to use a mic.
Never actually understood why - I provide a good sound system that covers the room - and he positions himself somewhere that people at the back of the room can't here him and he yells his head off to be heard. Oh well. His choice.
Leigh.....
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