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Follow the links below to find material targeted to the unit's elements, performance criteria, required skills and knowledge

Elements and Performance Criteria

1. Elements define the essential outcomes
2. Prepare for ceremonies
   • Organise running sheet and document specific stage directions, tasks and resources for different ceremony stages
   • Rehearse and review own ceremony presentation in advance of the ceremony based on review of prepared ceremony
   • Organise and conduct rehearsals with others according to plans and agreements with clients
   • Identify and organise strategies to prepare other participants when there is no rehearsal
   • Identify and respond to any problems in consultation with the client
   • Obtain, prepare and confirm ceremony resources and requirements, according to agreed ceremony plans
   • Complete ceremony preparations according to the agreed scope of the celebrant’s role
3. Present ceremonies
   • Liaise with other service providers at the ceremony to support smooth running of ceremony
   • Organise the gathering to minimise distractions, within the constraints of the venue, occasion and client needs
   • Facilitate and lead the orderly progression of the ceremony according to the ceremony design and provide clear directions as required
   • Prepare self for ceremony presentation and use techniques for overcoming performance anxiety
   • Apply presentation, ceremonial delivery and performance techniques suited to the occasion, venue and audience and as agreed with the client
   • Enhance the ceremony through use of resources and aids
   • Adapt presentation to suit the size and nature of the venue and to match audience characteristics
   • Interact effectively with participants and the audience to engage them in the ceremony as agreed with client
   • Respond flexibly to unexpected events in ways that maintain the flow and integrity of the ceremony
4. Evaluate ceremonies
   • Seek client feedback, and take advice on presentation and performance to continuously improve service
   • Establish and action strategies to observe and listen critically to own ceremonial delivery
   • Continuously evaluate ceremonial delivery for technical strengths and weaknesses
   • Access and use celebrant support services and professional development opportunities in response to evaluation
   • Document evaluation outcomes and use to enhance future practice

Performance Evidence

The candidate must show evidence of the ability to complete tasks outlined in elements and performance criteria of this unit, manage tasks and manage contingencies in the context of the job role. There must be evidence that the candidate has:

prepared and documented pre-ceremony planning forms and checklists for at least 3 ceremonies

presented at least 3 rehearsals and at least 6 ceremonies, to include at least 3 of the following

engagement

a baby naming or blessing

birthday

anniversary (wedding or other)

graduation celebration or party

mother’s day or father’s day celebration

presented ceremonies for audiences of varying size, including at least one for an audience of over 20 people

presented ceremonies requiring the use of public address (PA) equipment on at least 2 occasions

used the following public speaking, presentation and performance techniques in ways that are appropriate to the occasion, the participants and the audience:

pacing to ensure audience understanding

non-verbal communication:

eye contact

gesture

use of voice:

clarity

projection

tone

pitch

volume

presented ceremony content that includes:

3 different styles of poetry

3 different styles of music lyrics

explanation of 3 different symbols to the audience

completed a process of evaluation for 6 ceremonies and identified and documented things that went well and potential areas of improvement in planning, preparation and delivery.

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Knowledge Evidence

The candidate must be able to demonstrate essential knowledge required to effectively complete tasks outlined in elements and performance criteria of this unit, manage tasks and manage contingencies in the context of the work role. This includes knowledge of:

legal and ethical considerations (national, state/territory, local) for the conduct of ceremonies, and how these apply in individual practice:

codes of practice requirements

duty of care

privacy, confidentiality and disclosure

records management

work health and safety (WHS), in relation to

basic hazard identification and risk management procedures

hierarchy of control and its application in risk management

processes for raising WHS issues, reporting hazards, incidents and injuries and WHS issue resolution

potential emergency situations, alarms and signals and appropriate response

ceremony preparation considerations:

rehearsals, what and who they need to involve

preparation for different types of resources and props

pre-ceremony liaison with clients

components of ceremony delivery, including:

the warm-up or group bonding

welcome, introduction

statement of purpose

story telling or reflection

symbols or rituals

focusing on the transition

the promises (given and assumed)

inspiration and preparation for the next stage

group affirmation and support

conclusion, after-ceremony refreshments

stage management aspects of ceremony delivery:

personal presentation and dress

position and elements (such as seating and props) of the ceremony space and its relation to all present

the positioning of celebrant

features, use, limitations and hazards of equipment to enhance ceremony delivery (for celebrant and other participants):

sound equipment

elevated stage

lectern

lighting

altar

public, speaking, presentation and performance techniques, and how and when these are used to engage, convey meaning, create atmosphere and enhance ceremonies:

preparing for performance – mentally, physically and socially

how to communicate central ideas of a message

non-verbal communication, including:

eye contact

gesture

avoiding distracting mannerisms or facial expressions

use of voice, including:

clarity

projection

tone

pitch

volume

self-care techniques, including:

posture

fitness

factors that affect audience engagement, including first impression and ways to engage and sustain audiences of different types

techniques and routines used by celebrants to maintain and enhance presentation and performance skills, including:

vocal routines

fitness strategies

techniques for managing pre-ceremony performance anxiety and other anxiety reducing activities

ceremony evaluation techniques

strategies to improve ceremonial presentations

celebrant support services and professional development opportunities.

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