Toastmaster

In meetings, a toastmaster typically addresses the audience from behind a dais or from a podium.{{According to whom|date=June 2018}} At stage entertainment events, especially ones broadcast on live television, the toastmaster often takes the form of a master of ceremonies, introducing the entertainment acts.{{original research inline|date=June 2018}} {{citation needed span|The term has fallen out of use to a large degree.|date=June 2018}}

James Toole, father of actor John Lawrence Toole was possibly the first professional toastmaster during the 1840s in London.{{Cite journal|last=Mallalieu|first=Huon|date=18 May 2016|title=Raise a Toast|journal=Country Life|pages=126–127|id={{ProQuest|1791987622}}}} There are allusions to him in the press of the day. His obituary noted his "stentorian voice, and the ability with which he kept very large companies in order".{{Cite journal|date=1847|title=Obituary|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=e2odAQAAMAAJ&q=james+Toole+toastmaster&pg=PA327|journal=The Gentleman's Magazine|volume=181|pages=327–328|access-date=4 June 2018|via=Google books}}

William Kingsmith was the first to wear the red coat now associated with the London Society of Toastmasters, as he wanted to be distinguished from waitstaff and footmen. He was the public announcer at the 1908 London Olympic games,{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-17688625|title=Stylish start for the 1908 Games|last=Mower|first=Jane|date=27 April 2012|work=BBC News|access-date=4 June 2018|language=en-GB}} and presided over court functions at St. James's Palace, ceremonies at the House of Commons and Royal Albert Hall.{{Cite news|url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article16840785|title=Famous Toastmaster Dead|date=15 February 1932|work=Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842–1954)|access-date=4 June 2018|page=10}}

A widely known person associated with this role was George Jessel, known in his lifetime as "Toastmaster General of the United States" (parodying the title Postmaster General of the United States).{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1981/05/25/obituaries/george-jessel-comedian-and-toastmaster-dies-at-83.html|title=George Jessel, Comedian and Toastmaster, dies at 83|date=25 May 1981|work=The New York Times|access-date=4 June 2018|language=en}}

In service organizations and businesses, the role of toastmaster was a permanently assigned role, but often rotating among members. Toastmasters were largely expected to keep the event from becoming boring, and a cottage industry arose in the middle century to cater to the desire of businessmen and other leaders to overcome the fear of public speaking. Would-be toastmasters were typically counseled to use light humor, and to have anecdotes and epigrams handily memorized. Toastmasters International is an organization dedicated to helping people in public speaking and in fulfilling the role of toastmaster and leader.{{Cite book |last=Sha |first=Mandy |url=https://www.amazon.com/CAN-YOU-TOO-Inspirations-award-winning/dp/B0C522W4Z5 |title=If we can do it, you can, too! Inspirations from award-winning speakers & leaders |last2=Lee |first2=Cassandra |year=2023 |isbn=9798379235413 |pages=}}

Such was the importance of a toastmaster remaining sober in order to conduct events, he may have had a special cup, called the toastmaster's glass, which, although of the same size and shape as others at the event, in fact was of much lower capacity due to an almost solid interior. Several such glasses are now displayed at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London.{{Cite encyclopedia|url=https://www.britannica.com/art/toastmasters-glass|title=Toastmaster's glass|encyclopedia=Encyclopedia Britannica|access-date=4 June 2018|language=en}}{{better source needed|date=June 2018}}

• Tamada, a Georgian toastmaster
• Toastmasters International

{{Reflist}}

• [http://www.natuk.com/ The National Association Of Toastmasters]
• [http://www.societyoflondontoastmasters.co.uk The Society of London Toastmasters]
• [https://www.ngv.vic.gov.au/explore/collection/work/18798/ Eighteenth Century Toastmasters Glass, National Gallery, Victoria]

Category:Public speaking

Category:English-language slang

Category:Meetings

Category:Entertainment occupations

Category:Party favors