The Speaker at our Monthly Meeting on Wednesday 25 January 2023 was David J Pearson, Fellow and Past Chairman of the Guild of Professional Toastmasters, and currently Principal Training Officer of the Professional Toastmasters’ Academy, London.

David explained the duties and the expertise that a Professional Toastmaster brings to any function. He outlined the benefits, including:
Having an expert on procedure and etiquette involved;
Knowledge and experience in event planning;
Adding dignity and elegance with a light touch;
Tact, diplomacy and management skills;
Deep knowledge of the hospitality industry;
Readily identifiable source of information and assistance.

David also covered the uniform worn by men, worn by women, and the variations that are required by certain regions and locales in the United Kingdom.

Becoming a Professional Toastmaster requires extensive training and a period of supervised practice, in the classroom and on the job. That leads to a written and a viva voce examination before entering the Guild. Extensive experience in the job followed by another examination and viva voce by the fellows of the Guild finally opens the door to Fellowship of the Guild.

David entertained his audience with stories of what goes ‘right’, and the one or two occasions when things have gone wrong. This was a most enjoyable session.