MC - Master of Ceremony - Compere

The MC of an event is the host or compèreThe best MCs continuously exceed expectations.
who has a variety of responsibilities that may includeThat is why they reach the top and are considered
the making of the formal opening announcements,the best.
introduction of speakers, performers and the like, andA quality MC will have high ethics and respect any
any other interaction or communication that isconfidential information you share as part of the
required to be made with an audience to effectivelyevent briefings. Explain exactly what it is you would
manage proceedings at the conference, event orlike to achieve by the end of your event, meeting or
meeting.conference and an experienced MC will suggest how
By choosing a top MC, you can turn 'just anotherhe or she might go about achieving the desired
event' into something that is considered very specialresults.
by those attending and will be recalled, with affection,When choosing your MC, it is worth considering what
for many years to come. How would you like to betype of MC it is you require. For example would you
remembered?prefer a formal MC, someone well versed in the
With masterful ability, a good MC can give yourprotocol of formal events or someone who is part
whole event a feel of quality. When evaluation scoreentertainer, compère, motivator or
sheets are issued after the MC's performance, eventcomedian? Type in your exact requirement into a
organisers often discover a feel-good factor prevailssearch engine and you will quickly establish what is on
amongst the audience resulting in the whole eventoffer.
being scored substantially higher than was expected.Of course, your personal preference is a subjective
A good MC has the ability to help everyonetest. Try to consider what type of MC your audience
participating at a meeting to somehow exceedwould prefer. Ideally, watch short show-reel videos
expectations. This is a powerful and useful skillof the MC in action, paying particular attention to the
practised by few and mastered by even fewer.audience's reaction to the performer.
With regard to the fee required by an MC, hire theThe types of questions you should be asking
best available within your budget. The poise,yourself are 'Has he or she an ability to quickly build a
presence, and a professional ability of an MC arerapport with the audience?' Considering the type of
often linked to how much you are prepared to pay.person you anticipate will make up the bulk of your
You get what you pay for! Attempt to save moneyaudience you might ask 'Is the MC's material and
by engaging a cheap, inexperienced, part-time MCstyle of delivery of a quality and standard the
and it could cost you dearly. How important is theaudience would appreciate at my event?'
event you are holding and how precious is yourHaving identified the best potential MC for your
reputation as the organiser?event, my final recommendation is that you reserve
Engage the best MC available for your event and youtheir services as quickly as possible. There are lots of
can sit back and watch synergy in action with all ofevent organisers out there and relatively few
the positives that that phenomena produces.professional MCs of quality to go around.
A top MC is usually considered a 'professional' whenA top MC will understand the difficulties you, as an
he or she works full-time earning a living as an MC,event organiser, are facing and provide a
and has a specialist and expert knowledge andnon-committal way in which you can hold their
understanding of what material content audiencesservices, at least for a short period of time, whilst
like, and, how it must be related and relevant to thethe final decisions etc are made.
requirements and expectations of the eventI wish you every success with your event,
organiser.conference or meeting. Happy MC hunting.
A good MC meets everyone's needs as a minimum.