MASTER OF CEREMONIES
MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES OF A MASTER OF CEREMONIES (MC)
It is of paramount importance that the MC understands the flow and purpose of the event well in advance in order to create the right kind of atmosphere there at every moment. This goes for all types of events, from a corporate seminar to a wedding or graduation ceremony. Knowing exactly what is going to happen, what should be said, in what tone, and the sequence of events is essential, as is reviewing the planned structure and agenda in detail.
The audience should feel welcome, interested and well informed about everything that is about to happen. Participants should feel completely at ease.
MARKING THETIME
The timekeeping system chosen should be easy and clear for everyone involved. The audience will get annoyed by constant delays if the event does not strictly follow the planned schedule.
To ensure the success of the event, the decision regarding the timekeeping system must be made in advance and everyone involved must be well aware.
ROAD MAP
To write the script, the MC must know exactly what is going to happen at the event, at what times, where and with whom. One good tool for capturing this big, complete picture is to put together a minute-by-minute schedule in advance that includes all the important details and times.
ENTHUSIASM
The MC must also inspire and motivate participants so that they look forward to the next speaker. It is not enough to simply read every word of the script. Listeners will get bored and lose interest. But if the MC describes the benefits or lessons to be learned in the following presentation, the audience will have a completely different attitude. The MC should help build the connection between speaker and audience.
VALUABLETIPS
Another detail that makes a significant difference is to establish with the organizer who the MC will report to. If any changes are made to the agenda or program, only the organizer-appointed person can approve them and authorize the MC to add them to the script. This reduces the chance of noise or a failure to communicate during the event.
It is also part of the MC’s duties to assist speakers with microphone adjustments on stage, so that they feel comfortable speaking if they do not have a lavalier or hand-held microphone.
