Toastmaster is a general term, common in the United States in the middle of the 20th century, and which refers to a person in charge of the proceedings at a public speaking event. The toastmaster is typically in charge of organising the event, and arranging the order of speakers; also introducing one or more of the speakers, and keeping the event to schedule. Such gatherings typically include civic events, service organisation meetings, and various banquets and dinner functions. In many meetings, a toastmaster typically addresses the audience from behind a lectern or from a podium.
At stage events, especially those broadcast on television, the toastmaster often takes on the role of a Master of Ceremonies, ('MC' or 'Emcee') introducing the entertainment proceedings. The term has fallen of out use to a large degree, but the toastmaster also has longstanding roots in the UK where commercial services are readily available. One famous person associated with the role of toastmaster was George Jessel, known in his lifetime as "Toastmaster General of the United States" (as a takeoff of Postmaster General of the United States).
In many services and businesses, a toastmaster was permanently assigned the role, but often rotating among individuals. Toastmasters were generally expected to keep the event from becoming 'stale', and a cottage industry arose in the middle 20th century to cater to the desire of businessmen and other leaders to overcome the fear of speaking in public. Would-be toastmasters were typically advised to use lighthearted humour, and to have amusing stories readily memorised. Toastmasters International is an organisation dedicated to assisting people in public speaking and in their adoption of the role of toastmaster.
Such was the importance of a toastmaster remaining sober in order to conduct proceedings, he may have had a special cup, (see image) named the toastmaster's glass which, although of the same size and shape as others at the party, 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.