View source for Toastmaster

{{Short description|Person in charge of the proceedings of a public speaking event}}
{{about|the role of host at a public speaking event|other uses|Toastmaster (disambiguation)}}
{{unfocused|date=June 2018}}
{{More citations needed|date=January 2019}}
{{Use American English|date=June 2018}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=June 2018}}

'''Toastmaster''' is a general term, prevalent in the [[United States]] in the mid-20th century, referring to a person in charge of the proceedings of a [[public speaking]] event. The toastmaster is typically charged with organization of the event, arranging the order of speakers, introducing one or more of the speakers, and keeping the event on schedule.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://en.oxforddictionaries.com/definition/us/toastmaster|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180218090328/https://en.oxforddictionaries.com/definition/us/toastmaster|url-status=dead|archive-date=February 18, 2018|title=toastmaster {{!}} Definition of toastmaster in US English by Oxford Dictionaries|website=Oxford Dictionaries {{!}} English|access-date=2018-02-17}}</ref>  Such meetings typically include civic events, [[service organization]] meetings, and banquets for various purposes.

==Description==
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}}

==History==
James Toole, father of actor [[John Lawrence Toole]] was possibly the first professional toastmaster during the 1840s in London.<ref>{{Cite journal|last=Mallalieu|first=Huon|date=18 May 2016|title=Raise a Toast|journal=Country Life|pages=126–127|id={{ProQuest|1791987622}}}}</ref> 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".<ref>{{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}}</ref>

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,<ref>{{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}}</ref> and presided over court functions at St. James's Palace, ceremonies at the House of Commons and Royal Albert Hall.<ref>{{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}}</ref>

A widely known person associated with this role was [[George Jessel (actor)|George Jessel]], known in his lifetime as "Toastmaster General of the United States" (parodying the title [[Postmaster General of the United States]]).<ref>{{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}}</ref>

==Role==
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 [[anecdote]]s and [[epigram]]s handily memorized. [[Toastmasters International]] is an organization dedicated to helping people in public speaking and in fulfilling the role of toastmaster and leader.<ref name=":0">{{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=}}</ref>

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.<ref>{{Cite encyclopedia|url=https://www.britannica.com/art/toastmasters-glass|title=Toastmaster's glass|encyclopedia=Encyclopedia Britannica|access-date=4 June 2018|language=en}}</ref>{{better source needed|date=June 2018}}

==See also==
* [[Tamada]], a Georgian toastmaster
* [[Toastmasters International]]

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
* [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]]