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How to prepare for an event and conduct yourself as an emcee
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A master of ceremonies (also known as an MC or emcee) is the official host for a staged event, performance, or party. Normally, a good master of ceremonies introduces speakers, makes announcements, and engages with the audience to keep the ceremony agenda flowing as smoothly as possible. While being a master of ceremonies might seem like a daunting task, there are a few ways you can nail your responsibility as MC, and radiate confidence and charisma to keep the ceremony entertaining for all. We’ll show you how to both prepare for and execute your role as the perfect MC.
What does a master of ceremony do?
- Research the event’s purpose and special guests, and plan your schedule and any remarks you’ll deliver well beforehand.
- Dress a little nicer than the indicated dress code, which will help you to stand out and better represent the organization hosting the event.
- Introduce each guest, lead the audience in applause, and transition between speakers by commenting on the prior presentation and interacting with attendees.
- Stay loose and calm by taking deep breaths and speaking slowly, and embrace any hiccups that might occur, rather than acting out in response.
Steps
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QuestionWhat are some creative things an MC can do in a graduation ceremony?This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.wikiHow Staff EditorStaff AnswerGather some stories from the faculty and students, and consider telling short versions of them in your speech or your transitions!
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QuestionHow can I become more willing to be the master of ceremonies at a wedding?This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.wikiHow Staff EditorStaff AnswerIf you're nervous about emceeing a wedding, practice your public speaking, and work with the engaged couple to adjust the role to your comfort level, taking on less work or public speaking as you might otherwise.
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QuestionWhen introducing VIPs in an event, should it start from the less important and move to the most influential?This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.wikiHow Staff EditorStaff AnswerIf you're unsure, it's best to introduce them in the order of their appearance on stage (which is usually in the order of their importance, anyway).
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Tips
- Your audience follows your lead, so stay enthusiastic and happy to be there.Thanks
- Come prepared, but don't make it sound like you're reading from a script.Thanks
Tips from our Readers
The advice in this section is based on the lived experiences of wikiHow readers like you. If you have a helpful tip you’d like to share on wikiHow, please submit it in the field below.
- A great way to include everyone or as a filler for awkward silence is to ask questions the audience can respond to. Humor is also a good way to break the silence.
- Practice your routine with someone else to gauge their reaction and if your speech was funny.
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References
- ↑ https://mch.co.uk/top-10-tips-from-a-professional-master-of-ceremonies.shtml
- ↑ https://www.toastmasters.org/magazine/articles/when-you-are-the-emcee
- ↑ https://mch.co.uk/top-10-tips-from-a-professional-master-of-ceremonies.shtml
- ↑ https://www.forbes.com/sites/joanmichelson2/2019/10/27/how-to-be-a-great-public-speakertips-from-emceeing-a-gala/?sh=2deddb535fe3
- ↑ http://www.speakernetnews.com/post/emcee.html
- ↑ https://www.forbes.com/sites/joanmichelson2/2019/10/27/how-to-be-a-great-public-speakertips-from-emceeing-a-gala/?sh=2deddb535fe3
- ↑ https://westsidetoastmasters.com/resources/talk_your_way/ch15.html
- ↑ https://westsidetoastmasters.com/resources/talk_your_way/ch15.html
- ↑ https://www.stylist.co.uk/weddings/female-master-of-ceremonies-tips-what-to-expect-mc-wedding/262698
About This Article
Article Summary
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To be a good master of ceremonies, start by welcoming the audience with a simple opening, such as “Welcome to the Northeast Conference of Famers Meeting.” Next, introduce each speaker, and lead the audience in applause before and after they speak. Additionally, try to say something funny or meaningful about the speaker’s performance to keep the audience engaged between segments. Then, close the program by summarizing the event and thanking the attendees and speakers. For advice on how to prepare ahead of time to be a good master of ceremonies, scroll down!
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Reader Success Stories
- "Thank you very much for this article. Helped in moving and confirming my style of coordinating public events. At 34, I've acted as MC in more than 50 public ceremonies. I've always improvised when things didn't seem to go the way they were planned. I always hold my audience spellbound until the end of the ceremonies, making sure I entertain them with jokes and comments. All of this is due to my good sense of humour. Perfect article for me and relevant to the issue. Good enough to encourage, motivate, and even train aspiring MCs." ..." more
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"Thank you very much for this article. Helped in moving and confirming my style of coordinating public events. At 34, I've acted as MC in more than 50 public ceremonies. I've always improvised when things didn't seem to go the way they were planned. I always hold my audience spellbound until the end of the ceremonies, making sure I entertain them with jokes and comments. All of this is due to my good sense of humour. Perfect article for me and relevant to the issue. Good enough to encourage, motivate, and even train aspiring MCs."
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"This really helped me a lot. I was looking for tips on how to be a good MC, because the next day, I will be the master of the ceremony for our World Teacher's Day Program in our school. This helps boost my confidence. Now, at least I know what to do. Thanks!"
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"MC newbie. Polo equestrian match today. Handed the mike. I know the game (as a player), and know the names of the players. Two players thrown and two who left the field for tack/horse issues. My goal was to give info. Your advice appreciated. Cheers."
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"Thanks for this information. It has opened my eyes to other things I need to know as a good compere. I particularly liked the point that I don't have to force being a rib-cracker if I'm not naturally. But I still have to learn to in case I need to."
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"It has been a good presentation. More especially, in the preparation part 1, where steps of the preparation are given to inform the MC of what is likely to happen, and prepare for it and be able to update the audience of the event's schedule flow."
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