"The relationship of the toastmaster to speaker should be the same as that of the fan to the fan dancer. It should call attention to the subject without making any particular effort to cover it"

This quote by Adlai E. Stevenson is referring to the relationship between a toastmaster and a speaker. He is recommending that the toastmaster must resemble a fan to a fan dancer, because they should accentuate the speaker without attempting to overshadow them. The toastmaster should be a support group for the speaker, assisting to accentuate the speaker's words and ideas without removing from the speaker's message. The toastmaster should be a facilitator, helping to create an environment where the speaker can be heard and comprehended. The toastmaster needs to be a cheerleader, encouraging the audience to listen and engage with the speaker. The toastmaster must be a guide, helping to direct the conversation and keep the audience concentrated on the speaker's words. Ultimately, the toastmaster needs to be a partner to the speaker, assisting to produce an atmosphere where the speaker can be heard and appreciated.