Re: [Callers] sometimes not the caller's fault!

Thanks to all who spoke up, for bringing this issue into more clarity. “It’s always the caller’s fault,” is a clever line that is often misunderstood. Too many callers see it as a throw-away gesture that has a laudable sentiment, but no real substance. It might be more accurate, and more useful to say: “The caller always takes full responsibility for anything that happens in the hall.” This posture is one with a history that grows out of the caller’s role as the master of ceremonies. MCs have always understood the need for taking responsibility as part of their task of holding the attention of the hall. This is how they maintain their position of leadership. It was with the development of amplified public address systems that this responsibility became much more salient and much more necessary. When speaking with a microphone the emcee has the awesome power of projecting their thoughts into the minds of all present, with little effort. This ability comes with a great responsibility of leadership, and professional emcees have learned that their role is to always speak on behalf of the interests of everyone in the hall. That means taking full responsibility for anything that goes wrong. How can the caller take responsibility for everything that happens? If the toilet in the ladies bathroom backs up, is it the caller’s fault? Actually, it is. More to the point, it is the caller’s responsibility, as a leader, to deal with the situation. Here is one possible example: “Ladies and gentlemen: Please accept my sincere apologies. I have been informed that there is a serious problem with the plumbing in the ladies bathroom. I am sorry about this inconvenience and ask for your gracious cooperation. The ladies bathroom will be closed for the rest of this evening. Julie, our wonderful dance manager, has made a sign with both a “Men’s” and a “Ladies” side which will be hung on the working bathroom. Julie will take responsibility for switching the sign during each dance. We ask that you use this bathroom only when it is labeled for your gender. Once again, I am sorry about this inconvenience. We all appreciate your cooperation and consideration in dealing with this problem. Now, please take hands in groups of four from the top of the hall.” This announcement could, of course, be made by the dance manager or some other responsible party. The caller, however, should apologize, in any case, for the disruption of the dance program. In the absence of anyone else stepping forward it is the caller’s responsibility to address the problem. The point is to put the dancers at ease so that they can do their job of enjoying a wonderful evening of social dance with live music. Someone brought up the issue of dancers who fail to integrate into the community and form clumps of newcomers. Is this the caller’s fault? Yes it is. The tradition of contra dance includes learning at a regular dance rather than in separate lessons. Consequently, integrating newcomers into the community is the caller’s responsibility and is one of the most essential core skills that define an excellent contra dance caller. Clumps of newcomers in the hall are a clear symptom of poor calling. Sorry. It’s one of your primary responsibilities. (Note that if we relinquish this responsibility it eliminates any discussion of how the caller can integrate newcomers, something that really should be addressed.) There have been some good points made in this thread. In the final analysis, however, the idea of the caller taking total responsibility is an inescapable position. While it may be true that the caller is not omnipotent I would submit the following points about the caller’s responsibility for the hall:: * This is not a statement of fact. It is a statement of policy which defines the professional role of a caller. * Any alternative policy offers no possible action that the caller can take to “put out fires” or improve the situation. Other positions offer only excuses for the caller to relinquish leadership. * By accepting this policy the caller can provide both leadership and a positive example for others. If the caller makes excuses others will follow that example. If there is any core principle to calling effectively and with professionalism, this is it. If the caller is not willing to take responsibility for everything that happens in the hall they are simply not doing their job. If there is a problem with the evening­whether it be disruptive dancers, a band that plays inappropriate tunes, or “incompetent dancers,”­an excellent caller will always ask: “What could I do differently next time to better address this problem?” Without taking full responsibility the caller will not have the motivation to improve. There are always excuses to employ. A professional caller does not make excuses. Most importantly, this action sets an example for everyone. Calling is a role of leadership. If the caller­who has a PA system­is not willing to take responsibility, why should anyone else? Greg McKenzie