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Master of Ceremony
The goal of the Master of Ceremony is to captivate, motivate and unite the audience with a speaker or event. The success of the function rests on your shoulders.
1. Create the Vibe
It is your job to create the right atmosphere for the function. You need to warm up the audience, set the tone and make the audience WANT to hear the next speaker. Is the event of a serious nature or fun and relaxed? You need to set the stage so that the audience need to know what they should expect and how they need to react.
2. The Introduction
Your position is that of a management role. It is your responsibility to ensure that the audience is always happy and that you can also get the best out of the speakers. Let the audience know why the talk is appropriate. Mention the topic/title of the talk. Share some reasons why we should be listening to him/her. Give some relevant credentials of the speaker, then with excitement mention his/her name and lead the applause.
3. Highlight Valued Points
After the speech, highlight a few points from the speech that are relevant to the audience. Make it short and to the point. If the speech was not funny, don’t bring in any humour. Bridge to the next speaker.
4. Create a Bridge
Ensure that the proceedings flow smoothly from one event to the next. Create a link from your summary of the previous speaker to the introduction of the next speaker or event. Tie each speaker or event to a specific interest of the audience that will make both the speaker and audience feel important simultaneously.
5. Be a backup to the speaker
It is your duty to ensure that all the requirements of the speaker are taken care of. If the lights need to be dimmed due to visuals being shown, ensure someone is standing by to react on a signal, etc, Ensure all the necessary backstage requirements are in place and everyone knows what has to be done.
6. Manage the Lectern
Never leave the lectern unattended. After introducing the speaker, wait at the lectern for the person to arrive, shake hands then go and sit down for the duration of the talk. As quickly as possible, get back to the lectern once the speaker has finished, shake their hand at take over control.
7. Keep it short
Remember that the show is not about you. Whatever you do, keep it short and to the point. Get in – then get out quick.
8. Never Read
There is nothing more degrading to any speaker than having their credentials read. It shows that the MC has not prepared and leaves the impression that they, the speaker are not really that important enough.
9. Be the Host
Your job is to make each speaker as comfortable and welcome as possible. Arrange to meet them when they arrive and escort them to their seat. Ensure that each speaker has a glass of water, a few sheets of paper and a pen to make notes if required, that the microphone is adjusted for each speaker, etc. Let them too have a good experience.
10. Closing the Event
With the same amount of enthusiasm as you used to open the event, closing the event should be performed in the same way. Thank all the speakers and all those who contributed to the event as well as those who attended. Include comments thath summarised what everyone experienced or achieved from the event, or what you personally gained or even some highlights of the event.
1. Create the Vibe
It is your job to create the right atmosphere for the function. You need to warm up the audience, set the tone and make the audience WANT to hear the next speaker. Is the event of a serious nature or fun and relaxed? You need to set the stage so that the audience need to know what they should expect and how they need to react.
2. The Introduction
Your position is that of a management role. It is your responsibility to ensure that the audience is always happy and that you can also get the best out of the speakers. Let the audience know why the talk is appropriate. Mention the topic/title of the talk. Share some reasons why we should be listening to him/her. Give some relevant credentials of the speaker, then with excitement mention his/her name and lead the applause.
3. Highlight Valued Points
After the speech, highlight a few points from the speech that are relevant to the audience. Make it short and to the point. If the speech was not funny, don’t bring in any humour. Bridge to the next speaker.
4. Create a Bridge
Ensure that the proceedings flow smoothly from one event to the next. Create a link from your summary of the previous speaker to the introduction of the next speaker or event. Tie each speaker or event to a specific interest of the audience that will make both the speaker and audience feel important simultaneously.
5. Be a backup to the speaker
It is your duty to ensure that all the requirements of the speaker are taken care of. If the lights need to be dimmed due to visuals being shown, ensure someone is standing by to react on a signal, etc, Ensure all the necessary backstage requirements are in place and everyone knows what has to be done.
6. Manage the Lectern
Never leave the lectern unattended. After introducing the speaker, wait at the lectern for the person to arrive, shake hands then go and sit down for the duration of the talk. As quickly as possible, get back to the lectern once the speaker has finished, shake their hand at take over control.
7. Keep it short
Remember that the show is not about you. Whatever you do, keep it short and to the point. Get in – then get out quick.
8. Never Read
There is nothing more degrading to any speaker than having their credentials read. It shows that the MC has not prepared and leaves the impression that they, the speaker are not really that important enough.
9. Be the Host
Your job is to make each speaker as comfortable and welcome as possible. Arrange to meet them when they arrive and escort them to their seat. Ensure that each speaker has a glass of water, a few sheets of paper and a pen to make notes if required, that the microphone is adjusted for each speaker, etc. Let them too have a good experience.
10. Closing the Event
With the same amount of enthusiasm as you used to open the event, closing the event should be performed in the same way. Thank all the speakers and all those who contributed to the event as well as those who attended. Include comments thath summarised what everyone experienced or achieved from the event, or what you personally gained or even some highlights of the event.
