Application
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to prepare for, present and evaluate ceremonies. It requires the ability to use well-developed public speaking and presentation skills to deliver the ceremony. It does not address the specific additional legal requirements for the delivery of marriage ceremonies, which are found in separate units of competency.
This unit applies to celebrants, and to different types of ceremonies, both public and private.
The skills in this unit must be applied in accordance with Commonwealth and State/Territory legislation, Australian/New Zealand Standards and industry codes of practice.
Elements and Performance Criteria
ELEMENT | PERFORMANCE CRITERIA |
Elements define the essential outcomes | Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. |
1. Prepare for ceremonies | 1.1 Organise running sheet and document specific stage directions, tasks and resources for different ceremony stages 1.2 Rehearse and review own ceremony presentation in advance of the ceremony based on review of prepared ceremony 1.3 Organise and conduct rehearsals with others according to plans and agreements with clients 1.4 Identify and organise strategies to prepare other participants when there is no rehearsal 1.5 Identify and respond to any problems in consultation with the client 1.6 Obtain, prepare and confirm ceremony resources and requirements, according to agreed ceremony plans 1.7 Complete ceremony preparations according to the agreed scope of the celebrant’s role |
2. Present ceremonies | 2.1 Liaise with other service providers at the ceremony to support smooth running of ceremony 2.2 Organise the gathering to minimise distractions, within the constraints of the venue, occasion and client needs 2.3 Facilitate and lead the orderly progression of the ceremony according to the ceremony design and provide clear directions as required 2.4 Prepare self for ceremony presentation and use techniques for overcoming performance anxiety 2.5 Apply presentation, ceremonial delivery and performance techniques suited to the occasion, venue and audience and as agreed with the client 2.6 Enhance the ceremony through use of resources and aids 2.7 Adapt presentation to suit the size and nature of the venue and to match audience characteristics 2.8 Interact effectively with participants and the audience to engage them in the ceremony as agreed with client 2.9 Respond flexibly to unexpected events in ways that maintain the flow and integrity of the ceremony |
3. Evaluate ceremonies | 3.1 Seek client feedback, and take advice on presentation and performance to continuously improve service 3.2 Establish and action strategies to observe and listen critically to own ceremonial delivery 3.3 Continuously evaluate ceremonial delivery for technical strengths and weaknesses 3.4 Access and use celebrant support services and professional development opportunities in response to evaluation 3.5 Use collaboration as a tool to develop, maintain and improve own skills and resources 3.6 Document evaluation outcomes and use to enhance future practice |
Evidence of Performance
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.
Evidence of Knowledge
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.
Assessment Conditions
Skills must have been demonstrated in the workplace or in a simulated environment that reflects workplace conditions. The following conditions must be met for this unit:
use of suitable facilities, equipment and resources, including:
documented pre-designed ceremonies
PA equipment
modelling of industry operating conditions, including:
ceremony participants
audience members (at least 1 audience of more than 20 people)
scenarios involving problem-solving.
Assessors must satisfy the Standards for Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) 2015/AQTF mandatory competency requirements for assessors.
Foundation Skills
The Foundation Skills describe those required skills (language, literacy, numeracy and employment skills) that are essential to performance.
Foundation skills essential to performance are explicit in the performance criteria of this unit of competency.