Toastmaster & Celebrant Paul Deacon International Toastmaster, Celebrant and Master of Ceremonies

I require no specific technical setup. Access to a handheld microphone is appreciated for larger events, though I am equally comfortable working without amplification.

A planning meeting approximately one month prior to your event will cover most details. At that stage, I find it helpful to have an outline of the venue layout, timings for the day, and key contacts such as the event manager or catering team. Advance access and parking information also helps ensure a smooth and well-prepared arrival.

I do not provide sound or lighting equipment, but I am very happy to work with venue teams, DJs or production suppliers to ensure announcements and coordination run seamlessly.

I do not provide DJ or music services, but I work closely alongside DJs, bands and venue teams to ensure smooth transitions and clear communication throughout the event.

Probably millenium night in Monaco with HSH Prince Albert of Monaco and several members of European Royal families and then seeing the dawn of 1st January 2000 on the roof of the venue with half a dozen other people.

My favourite events are those where everything needs to come together properly, where timing, atmosphere and the overall experience really matter. That could be a wedding, a formal dinner, a corporate function or a private celebration, but they all share the expectation that the event will run smoothly and feel well organised without ever seeming over-managed.

I’m at my best in exactly those situations, bringing structure, calm and clear coordination so that each part of the event flows naturally into the next. Much of my role is about anticipating what’s needed and ensuring things happen at the right moment, often before anyone realises.

What I enjoy most is seeing hosts able to relax and enjoy their own event, confident everything is in hand, while guests simply experience a well-run and enjoyable occasion. When it all feels effortless and runs exactly as it should, that’s when I know I’ve done my job well.

I began my career in professional Toastmastering through a passion for well-run, properly structured events, and have since worked across a wide range of occasions including weddings, formal dinners and corporate functions in the UK and internationally. Over time, my work has developed through experience at leading venues and alongside a variety of event professionals, refining a calm, organised and quietly authoritative style.

Not directly applicable to my role as a Toastmaster and Celebrant, although I do appreciate the importance of music and atmosphere within an event. I work closely with DJs, bands and musicians to ensure everything flows seamlessly and each moment lands as intended

Setup: One hour before the event
Planning meeting one month before the event
Usually 8 hours per event

Yes

Every event is tailored to the client. Rather than working from a fixed ‘set list’, I work closely with you in advance to understand the style, tone and structure you would like for your event. From formal announcements to key moments during the day, everything is agreed beforehand to reflect your preferences while ensuring the event flows smoothly and to time.

Clients most often describe my work as calm, professional and reassuring, someone who brings structure and organisation without ever taking over the event. I’m frequently told that I strike the right balance between being visible when needed and unobtrusive when not, ensuring everything runs smoothly behind the scenes.

They also tend to comment on the sense of confidence it gives them, knowing that timings are being managed, guests are guided appropriately, and nothing is left to chance. Above all, clients appreciate being able to relax and enjoy their own event, safe in the knowledge that everything is in hand and being handled with care and attention to detail.