As an event organiser, your Master of Ceremonies (MC) will play an integral role in the overall ambience and sense of organisation of your function. He or she will be responsible for:
- Making attendees aware of what is happening and at what time.
- Introducing the speakers by name, title and presentation title.
- Introducing the entertainers.
- Inviting guest or delegate participation (e.g. inviting them to open the dance floor or begin eating).
- Creating a pleasant flow between speakers, meals, and so on.
- Keeping the audience entertained during periods of silence or administration (signing of forms etc…)
- Releasing each table to get their food.
The MC sets the tone for the other speakers as he or she is the main person to engage the audience and has to introduce the speakers. Thus, if the MC makes lewd or inappropriate jokes, the audience and speakers will be made to feel awkward. It is, therefore, essential that you choose an experienced MC that is pleasantly light and humorous, while also sensitive enough to make the audience feel engaged and respected.
It is important that your MC has some knowledge of the company, the event, the cause and the people that will be attending. They should be able to greet some of the people by name and embrace the goals and aims of the organisation. They should also have a very clear understanding of the nature of the event and its purpose.
The Master of Ceremonies that you choose for your event must be able to explain the order of events and make relevant comments in his or her home language. This will enable guests to be able to hear and understand them, and will make them feel more comfortable and confident as they speak.
It is vital that your MC is able to use a microphone for their parts, not being expected to rely on the acoustics of the room to carry his or her voice. Guests that cannot hear the introduction to the next speaker or when the food will be served become irritated and distracted, which can lead to them making an excessive noise as they continue with their own conversations.
Never elect a MC that is likely to become tipsy or drunk during the course of the event. They will become confused, loud, inappropriate or forgetful. This is embarrassing for everyone.
Of course, a professional speaker is always preferable as they will be comfortable, speak well and engage the audience. However, if this is not possible (e.g. at a wedding or at a function with a limited budget, opt for a speaker that is friendly, well liked and charming. A nervous, fidgety speaker will make the entire audience feel ill at ease. Choosing someone from within the organisation has the advantage of enabling them to make “inside jokes” with which the audience can identify. By involving the audience in this way, you are assured that they will identify with and remember your function as being cohesive, organised and enjoyable.
Photo Courtesy of Michael Townsend Wright
