ASSISTANT’S ROLE

The most important reminder for an assistant is to firmly believe that the assistant’s role is indispensable for a successful Ikebana demonstration.

Fundamentally, an Ikebana demonstration should be carried out by joint team efforts between the person who does the demonstration and their assistant.

Most of you have experienced being assisted by your colleagues in carrying, lifting or cutting, etc., when using rather heavy or bulky materials for your arrangement. Assisting an Ikebana demonstrator involves similar mechanical/physical assistance; however, the role of the assistant to the demonstrator goes beyond such mechanical assistance.

The presence of the assistant during the demonstration is necessary to enhance the work of the demonstrator and the entire procedure.

As you are on center stage with the presenter drawing the audience’s attention, tension builds up. However, such intensity generates positive energy to pay closer attention to details in each step you are engaged in.

The assistant should have a clear understanding of the intent of the goals of the demonstrator as well as how best they can assist in achieving them.

Having a complete idea of what the demonstrator wants to achieve and having a clear idea of how things will proceed enables the assistant to be supportive and helpful in creating efficient and smooth working dynamics.

The following are important specifics of the assistant’s role in contributing to a successful demonstration:

BEFORE THE DEMONSTRATION, IT IS NECESSARY TO COMMUNICATE THE ENTIRE PROCEDURE.

An assistant must be fully informed beforehand of the purpose of the demonstration, such as some characteristics of the audience/participants, the venue, etc. The assistant must know what the demonstrator expects.

(Note: Be with the demonstrator the day before as they create; make notes.)

PREPARATION FOR THE DEMONSTRATION:

Checking the vases, materials, etc. Make sure the vase is clean and the materials are well kept; organize selected materials in order of the workpieces; Mizuage should be done beforehand; discard damaged leaves, etc.; necessary tools are arranged in an easy-to-use manner

(Note: 2nd assistant would be in charge of this.)

DURING THE DEMONSTRATION:

First, place the Mizukiri container
Then hand out pre-selected and assorted material promptly once the demonstrator starts to make the arrangement.
If necessary, assist in cutting big/heavy branches and cleaning/tidying up the working area. Discard cut-off pieces and stems from Mizukiri bowl, etc.
When the arrangement is completed, tidy the area and remove the Mizukiri bowl.

The most crucial point is not to get in the way of the demonstrator, and any movement should be subtle. Avoid drawing the audience’s attention away from the demonstrator.

(Note: Dress in dark clothes and comfortable, quiet shoes; know the best side, Right or Left)

ADDITIONAL SUGGESTIONS:

Creating a good working pace between the assistant and the demonstrator is also necessary. Any movement on the assistant’s part should be discrete without distracting the audience’s attention from the demonstrator.

The demonstrator can concentrate on the arrangement by having an efficient assistant.

An efficient procedure between the pair that is a smooth working dynamic when showing, selecting, and handing out the material ensures a relaxed, easy-to-watch demonstration. Such a flawless endeavor between the trusting partners helps sustain the audience’s attention and generates a lively and entertaining demonstration.

(Note: Important for the demonstrator to communicate, and the assistant needs to be informed.)

No matter how well-rehearsed the procedures may be, unexpected things happen. When such mishaps occur, don’t become flustered; be alert and ready to receive subtle signals from the demonstrator to avoid uncomfortable embarrassment.

DO NOT FORGET THAT THE DEMONSTRATOR PLAYS THE LEADING ROLE.

Remember, if you busy yourself with your agenda without paying attention to your partner, you get in the way of the demonstrator. On the other hand, if the demonstrator does everything without relying on the assistant’s reasonable judgment, the audience will perceive negative energy. The demonstration becomes undignified.

The demonstrator should focus on the arrangement while encouraging the audience to engage in their creative activity.

NOTES TO DEMONSTRATOR

When your assistant fails to receive your intended message, use a natural tone to give clear instructions.
When your assistant makes a mistake, drops things, or misplaces tools, etc., stay calm and continue arranging without showing upsetting emotion. The facial expressions of both the demonstrator and the assistant will influence positive or negative reactions from the audience.
Finally, the assistant’s role in a successful demonstration cannot be overstated. It is, therefore, highly recommended that any aspiring demonstrator experience serving as an assistant to gain insight into and appreciation of the invaluable role a reliable assistant contributes to the overall success of the demonstration.