| What are the secrets of being a great MC? | | | | The major role of a good MC is to keep the event |
| Being asked to MC an event can happen anytime. At | | | | running on time. It is your role to make this happen. |
| a social setting, at work or for more formal | | | | No one likes an event that runs over time. |
| occasions. | | | | You need to be firm on time. This is one element |
| Because of my business as a professional speaker, | | | | that is non-negotiable. |
| I'm often called on to be a professional MC. | | | | 4. Be The Glue That Holds The Event Together |
| Take for example my recent experiences hosting the | | | | Your role as MC is to be the glue or cement that |
| Real Estate Institute of WA's (REIWA) formal annual | | | | holds the event together. |
| dinner, and the presentation of the Kevin Sullivan | | | | You have to link, segue and make a transition directly |
| memorial Award, the Institute's highest accolade. | | | | from one section or theme to another during the |
| A professional MC can make or break an event. | | | | entire event. |
| What do people remember? | | | | The best MCs do this seemlessly and effortlessly. |
| It's not the children's choir, the corporate video or | | | | 5. Focus On The Speakers and Performers |
| the music. It's not even the venue or the food. | | | | Remember the speakers or performers you are |
| The secret to a great event is the person who | | | | introducing are the stars of the show not the MC. |
| brings all of these diverse elements together and | | | | Don't grandstand, big note or let your ego get in the |
| then delivers them with personality, humour and | | | | way. |
| charm. | | | | Let the event elements, be they speakers, |
| Your choice of Master of Ceremonies will have a big | | | | performers or award winners shine. |
| impact on the success of your event. | | | | 6. Rehearse |
| And the fact is, high profile does not equal success. | | | | Spend time at the venue before hand getting used |
| I've heard famous name MCs tell inappropriate jokes | | | | to the stage, lighting and sound system. |
| and get guests, organisers and sponsors immediately | | | | Practice your lines out loud. Warm up your voice. Get |
| offside. | | | | in the moment. |
| The MC (also known as Emcee) has a very unique | | | | 7. Research |
| role to play at an event. There are many duties to | | | | Research the speakers or performers you are |
| perform and not everyone can be organised and | | | | introducing. |
| entertaining at the same time. It's a special skill. | | | | As an absolute minimum do a Google search on them. |
| But the good thing is, it is a learned skill. | | | | Always request a formal introduction from speakers. |
| Here is the first part of a series of articles on what I | | | | Most professional speakers will provide a prepared |
| call the multiple speaking intelligences every aspiring or | | | | introduction. |
| experienced leader needs. | | | | 8. Provide a Mix of Entertainment and Information |
| In this first part, here are 10 Tips on how to be a | | | | The key to a good MC is light and shade. |
| great MC for every occasion. | | | | 9. Let Your Personality Come Through and Be |
| 1. Get A Good Briefing | | | | Yourself |
| Clarify with the event organiser beforehand what | | | | Don't be overly wooden or scripted. Let your |
| their expectations are and what they want exactly. | | | | personality shine through. |
| 2. Work To A Running Sheet | | | | 10. Have Fun |
| There is a lot to remember and do as an MC. Make | | | | If you are having fun so are the others speakers and |
| sure your event organiser provides a running sheet | | | | the audience. |
| so you know what happens and when. | | | | Relax and enjoy the moment. |
| 3. Run On Time | | | | |