The Difference Betweem a Toastmaster and a City of London Toastmaster

Since Norman era, the "Square Mile" or "City" of London has been the capital's centre for moneymaking happenings and international monetary business. The City is a democratic autonomous entity with its own mayor and is rich in history, tradition, and what can appear as normal ceremonial practices.

One such practice is that the Toastmaster does not have on a red tailcoat, instead he wears a black one. It is understood that the reason for this is that traditionally, a foxhunt could not pass through the city streets and Toastmaster's red coats are like mounted foxhunters, it is preferable that the toastmaster retains a less grand appearence. In spite of this, this guiding principle leads to a quandary of identity. A Toastmaster's work in the city is bound to be at Mansion House (quarters of the mayor) or Guildhall or one of the 40 Livery Halls where formal celebrations are usually held, frequently with members of the royal family, government and Heads of State present. Frequently guests at such functions will be dressed in white tie and black tails, just as the Toastmaster, who will no longer be identifiable by his red jacket. A stately answer was developed where Toastmasters would have a red and white sash over his right shoulder, which represents the colours of the City of London's crest. This practice, he stands out, despite sometimes he gets mistaken for the Polish Ambassador!

City Toastmasters have need of a higher extent of know-how and protocol than if they were performing beyond the City of London. There are multiple subtle differences in procedure, for example, outside the city when introducing a guest spokeswoman with a post-nominal (eg OBE), the Toastmaster would announce "Pray silence for John Smith, an officer of the most excellent Order of the British Empire," but in the City, the Toastmaster simply says "Pray silence for John Smith."

An added case is how the Loyal Toast ("The Queen!") Is introduced. Further than the City of London, the Toastmaster would apply his gavel and say: "Would you all please stand... And... Pray silence for the Chairman who will now propose the Loyal Toast".

In the city when we reach this point in the meal (before coffee is served) the Toastmaster merely taps his gavel three times, not speaking at all, and the host will stand and announce: "The Queen!" Which will be followed by all guests standing up and repeating the exclamation.

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