Master of Ceremonies - Now what?

So you have the opportunity to be a Master of Ceremonies (MC)! To do a great job, there are a few things you will need to know.

First, find out what the expectations are for you. Are you expected to provide a brief speech, introduce a speaker or a series of speakers, and provide transitions between activities? What are the activities?

Source: Flickr - Mahalie

Find out information about the speakers, activities, and time limitations from the organizers of the event.

About Introducing Speakers

To properly introduce the speaker or speakers, there are a few things you should know and be able to do. First, be sure you know how to correctly pronounce their names as this could be embarrassing for everyone! You can also ask speakers to provide you with some background information that they want used about themselves.

Keep introductions brief! The speakers are the focal point of the evening. If you are introducing several speakers in sequence, have a variety of ways to introduce them to avoid repetition and redudancy.

Know the order in which they are presenting. Setting the tone for a speaker before and after is best accomplished by speaking in first person to the audience using an "I message" such as "I know how fortunate we are to have John Doe here tonight. I really enjoy hearing him speak. Please help me in welcoming him to . . ."

Speaker Considerations

There are other considerations as well like physical hardware. Speakers often use podiums or lecturns for notes. You can assist in this by asking the speaker about their preference, locate a podium or lecturn if necessary, microphone for sound, and water as a courteous gesture for speakers.

If the presenter uses technology, ask if he or she will bring their own equipment or assist in locating and setting up equipment.

Master of Ceremonies as Taskmaster

Typically, the Master of Ceremonies will be expected to kick things off and keep it moving. At the podium, you are expected to take charge of the event. Introduce and thank speakers, start audience applause, return to the podium after each speaker finishes, introduce the next speaker, gesture towards the approaching speaker to welcome him or her, and watch the time. If there are time limits on speeches, you may need to gesture to the speaker. Your goal is to keep things moving along smoothly and on-time.

The Successful Master of Ceremonies Do's and Don't's

Keep the audience informed of what is happening and when.
You can refer to the program to cover specific information.
Keep your speaker introductions brief and to the point so as not to upstage the speaker.
The speaker is the star of the show, not the MC.
Use a variety of means to introduce and thank a speaker to keep the presentations "fresh."
Remember to stay neutral when thanking the speaker.
Avoid judging the speech.

Being Prepared is Everything!

Being a great Master of Ceremonies will leave a positive, lasting impression on your audience. If you have gathered the necessary information and equipment, written and revised your introduction and transitions, included information about honored guests, slipped in a little humor, and practiced, you are well on your way to organizing a meaningful event that will make a positive impression on your audience by providing an enjoyable experience for them.