About me
Simon Shirley
I am a modern Toastmaster, a safe pair of hands, not one of those rather stiff, formal and bland Toastmasters that you may have experienced before.
'People person'
I love what I do! This helps me blend in and add personality, as well as a little touch of flair and fun, to each event in which I am involved.
Reliable and flexible
I will adapt to your own specific needs and aspirations, and totally tailor my approach to your event, be it a formal function, a more relaxed wedding or a fun party.
What will you do?
My role
As your Toastmaster, my duties will include…
- Being there for the arrival of your guests, drinks reception and any photography.
- Overseeing timings and seating for the ceremony/dinner proceedings.
- Co-ordinating and announcing any ceremony, presentations, speakers, wedding cake cutting, raffle or auction.
- Always explaining, as necessary, what is to happen, who needs to be where and when.
- Being the 'glue' between yourselves, your guests, your venue staff, your photographer and any guest speakers or entertainers.
- Being as formal or relaxed as you require.
- Taking control when necessary, but generally being lighthearted and adaptable to almost any situation.
- Being reliable, calm, personable and flexible.
- Adding a touch of style to your day, as well as a little bit of personality and humour, if appropriate.
- Being front of house and master of ceremonies, or blending into the background; it is, after all, your day and your event, not mine!
Are you qualified?
My certification
Several years ago I took two exams and qualified as a member of the National Association of Toastmasters, which means you can be assured that I am not only able, but also qualified, to manage your day or evening, whether it’s a banquet at a top London venue or a family event in a village hall. I love being involved in all types and size of event. You can also rest assured that, in the unlikely event that I am unable to attend due to unforeseen circumstances, I will be able to provide a qualified replacement, ensuring you are not left without a Toastmaster at your event.
How else can you help?
It's the things you don't see...
Although as a Toastmaster I will make announcements and guide people through your event, it is actually the things you don’t really see me do that are the most important. By coordinating the people involved, and ensuring continuity throughout, you can be sure that a relaxed and enjoyable day will be had by all!
I will co-ordinate between yourselves, your guests and all the professionals involved in your big day, including the staff at the venue, any photographer, videographer, DJ, band and any entertainers.
I will help to ensure that everything runs really smoothly and there are no gaps or last-minute panics.
Everyone will be at the right place at the right time and will know just when, where and how things will be happening. This, of course, takes a lot of stress off you plus other organisers, professionals, venue staff, family members or best man, who will all be more relaxed and able to enjoy your special day even more.
Common questions
F.A.Q
Here are the answers to some of the questions people most commonly ask me:
- Weddings
- Charity fundraisers
- Private parties
- Award ceremonies
- Banquets
- Product launches
- Conferences
- Annual dinners
- Cocktail parties
- Sporting events
- Masonic festivals
If your event isn’t listed here, please don’t hesitate to contact me to discuss your specific requirements.
- Northbrook Park, Farnham, Surrey
- Notley Abbey, Nr Thame, Oxfordshire
- Angel and Royal, Grantham, Lincolnshire
- The Dorchester, Park Lane, London W1
- The Manor House Hotel, Castle Combe, Wiltshire
- The Grosvenor House Hotel, Park Lane, London W1
- The Crazy Bear Hotel, Stadhampton, Oxfordshire
- De Vere, Wokefield Estate, Reading, Berkshire
- The Royal Garden Hotel, Kensington, London W8
- Bath Spa Hotel, Bath, Somerset
- Jumeirah Carlton Tower, Knightsbridge, London SW1
- DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire
- Monkey Island Hotel, Bray, Berkshire
- The Langham Hotel, Portland Place, London W1
- Laura Ashley – The Manor, Elstree, Hertfordshire
- Grange City Hotel, London EC3
- Down Hall Hotel, Hatfield Heath, Essex
- Marriott Heathrow, Windsor, Langley, Berkshire
- Temple Island, Henley-on-Thames
- Pendley Manor, Tring, Hertfordshire
- Trunkwell House Hotel, Reading, Berkshire
- Burford Bridge Hotel, Box Hill, Surrey
- Grittleton House, Grittleton, Wiltshire
- Chiseldon House Hotel, Chiseldon, Wiltshire
- Highfield Park Hotel, Hook, Hampshire
- Holbrook Manor, Wincanton, Somerset
My fee will vary depending on the event, location and the duration. However it is often only equivalent to the cost of hiring a couple of morning suits or an entertainer.
Yes, but I may have to make a charge for travel time if your event is over 100 miles or 2 hours travelling time for me. Anything under that I consider to be a ‘local’ job.
Absolutely! From the moment you book me, I am your Toastmaster. I am always available and encourage you to ask me anything I may be able to help with, including tradition, timings and organisation. I will contact you to discuss your hopes and plans for your event in more detail well before the big day actually arrives.
Of course! I have dressed as an Arabian for an ‘East meets West’-themed party and as Prince Charming for a ‘Princess and the Frog’ wedding. I also regularly wear my black tailcoat instead of red if that fits in better with what’s required.
This depends entirely on you and on the event. I will always arrive in good time to meet venue staff, learn a new venue’s layout and make any other preparations. Often, at an event, I will be there to greet guests, and at a wedding I will stay to introduce the first dance. For some functions, if I have a role to play, I will be there until ‘carriages’ at midnight or 1am.
I prefer not to get involved in recommending suppliers, however there are several photographers that I work alongside regularly whose style and photographs I like and with whom I work well.
If your question isn’t answered here, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.