Thank you for your interest in my work! Below are the answers to some questions that I am frequently asked by my prospective clients:

1. Do you emcee weddings? Unfortunately, no. Of course, I am always flattered to be asked to emcee a personal event such as a wedding or an anniversary. However, I always politely decline such offers. The reason is simple: I prefer to concentrate on working as a MC and moderator (in both Russian and English) of business, corporate, official, promotional, BTL and sports events as well as press-conferences and concerts.

2. How much do you charge? My services vary in cost depending on the specific task at hand. Factors that influence my fee include: 1) the location (in Moscow/Moscow Oblast or outside); 2) the ability to use an existing script or the need for my involvement in creating an original script for an event; 3) the number of hours I am requested to be present at the event site 4) the number and time of rehearsals, if any; and 5) the language that I need to use as an emcee (Russian or English). I am flexible in my pricing and would be happy to provide you with a quotation by phone or by e-mail.

3. Are you properly registered and certified? Yes, I am registered in Russia as an Individual Entrepreneur (Individualnyi Predprinimatel'). This allows me to accept payments via bank transfer and execute all formal documentation such an agreement, an acceptance certificate and a bill. My activities do not require certification in Russia.

4. What makes you different from other MCs? Unlike many MCs who have a background in acting, DJing or entertainment TV show hosting, I come to MCing with a background in business and government. Having been employed as a manager in international corporate and governmental organizations, corporate and official functions are my forte. Another unique strength of mine is an excellent command of the English language, which not only allows me to serve as an interpreter at the events that I emcee, but also to be a fully capable English-language MC.

How well do you speak English? I believe that I speak English very well, and my latest IBT TOEFL (Internet-Based Test of English as a Foreign Language) test results back this up. I took the test in Feb. 2008 and scored 114 points out of a possible 120. (Reading: 29, Listening: 28, Speaking: 28 and Writing: 29). However, because maintaining proficiency in a foreign language requires constant effort, I continue to work on my English every day.

6. Do you speak languages other than English and Russian? No, I speak Russian (my mother tongue) and English.

7. What's your MC style and character? Even though, I strive to be versatile, my clients have a tendency to typecast me (which is fine with me). I am frequently chosen when there is a need for a classy, intelligent and energetic MC. I work best at events that feature corporate industries and products such as: IT, consumer electronics, certain luxury and expensive goods such real estate, VIP travel, banking services, intellectual products (books for instance) and of course high level official functions. But let me stress again that I strive to be versatile and am open to suggestions.

8. Do you always need a detailed script or can you ad lib on the spot? Surely, I can ad lib. It would be difficult to be a professional MC without a readiness to improvise. Additionally, the overwhelming majority of event scripts are mere run sheets that do not have any emcee lines. I will of course discuss and coordinate with my clients the points that they would like me to stress as well as the corporate messages that I need to convey as an MC during the event.

9. Do you use humor as an MC? Naturally. When I started my full-time emcee career in 2004-2005, I worked at a lot of entertainment corporate events such as gala dinners and team-building activities at the sports and entertainment park Yakhroma in the Moscow Oblast. The humor I use is "clean" and subtle and fully suitable for a corporate event.

9. Do you use humor as an MC? Naturally. When I started my full-time emcee career in 2004-2005, I worked at a lot of entertainment corporate events such as gala dinners and team-building activities at the sports and entertainment park Yakhroma in the Moscow Oblast. The humor I use is "clean" and subtle and fully suitable for a corporate event.

11.Are you willing to travel on business trips? Usually business travel is additional stress. However, I travel quite often and am willing to travel on business trips. I have a valid international travel passport that expires in 2011.

12. Do you have a driver's license and a personal car? I have a valid Russia driver's license, but I do not own a car.

13. Do you have experience working with VIPs? Yes, I have substantial experience working with VIPs. I have emceed events which featured prominent people such as: the President of Russia, the Chairman of the Russian Council of Federation, the Mayor of the City of Moscow, the Chairman of the Moscow City Duma, the Governor of the Nizhny Novgorod Region in Russia, as well as TV and movie stars, writers and politicians, both Russian and international (Japanese actor/director Takeshi Kitano and US writer Jackie Collins for example). At some of these events I have also served as an interpreter for these VIPs.

14. Why do you have so many diplomas? As they say: "live and learn". Seriously though, I consider it very important to have formal training in one's area of professional interest and expertise. I love to study, and my ability to digest lots of information in a short period of time gives me an edge as a MC. This is especially true when I am involved in a wide spectrum of events that require specific knowledge, from a corporate bowling tournament to an ERP or a CRM product launch.

15. We need a MC/DJ? Can you be both at the same time? No, it is impossible to perform both MC and DJ roles simultaneously. I have never worked as a DJ as I prefer to be an MC.

16. Can you MC events dressed up and acting the part of a famous fictional character or a celebrity? I do get requests like this from time-to-time. However, I usually decline. I can see how it would be easy to entertain guests at an event acting the part of Pirate Flint or Count Dracula dressed in a fancy theater costume. However, for the most part, I think this approach can be taken as buffoonery and can actually be detrimental for a MC who needs to be running the show and maintaining a certain degree of authority. If the MC absolutely must appear dressed up as a certain character, a possible solution is to appear in costume for a very short period of time and then allow the MC to return to his working attire (a business suit, a smart casual outfit or a tux).      

17. What's the best way to get in touch with you? Please don’t hesitate to call me at +7 (926) 408-1969 (if it’s not urgent, please call from 10 am to 10 pm Moscow time) or e-mail me at vedushii@rambler.ru. If I am not able to speak to you at the time of your call (for such reasons as being busy at an event or being on the road), I will get back to you ASAP. I also strive to answer your e-mails within a few hours of receiving them. If you call through your company switchboard, please leave me a message identifying yourself otherwise it is virtually impossible for me to get back to you.

Thank you!