MY ROLE AS YOUR MASTER OF CEREMONIES
Other Functions I host:
Toastmasters/Master of Ceremonies to host all of your VIP Dinners, Weddings, Christenings, Civic Banquets, Private and Corporate Functions, Charity Dinners, same gender marriages, official openings, garden parties etc In fact any occasion that requires a certain panache - Prices available upon request.
As your Master of Ceremonies
I am responsible for creating and sustaining the intended atmosphere throughout the event. The intended atmosphere may vary depending on the type of event, although most events that hire a Master of Ceremonies are looking to create a fun and energetic atmosphere. As MC, my main responsibilities include:
· Keeping the event flowing and bridging between segments of the event.
· Keeping the interest of the audience making sure they are having fun.
· Helping the audience feel respected and engaging with them during the event.
· Helping the speakers feel valued.
· Keeping the event on time.
· Keeping everyone updated on what is happening at the event.
Being an MC means that I bring with me a great sense of humour, and I can work a crowd being a practised public speaker. In addition, one must also be prepared to improvise, so you can react efficiently to whatever that may arise. For example, you may have to momentarily entertain the audience while waiting for the next speaker to get out of the bathroom or for the broken microphone to be replaced. I will make you feel like you are the stars of the show.
Before the Event:
I will create and review a given agenda for the event, and plan out, minute by minute, the event schedule taking into consideration the time it takes to get on and off the stage, make introductions for guests, and speeches or thank yous from guest members.
I will contact your key speakers to find out some background information on them and use that information to prepare your introductions for the speakers. This background research will help me to construct introductions that sound more personal and genuine.
In addition, if there are any special audience members who should be recognised or mentioned during the event or any titled members, my attention to detail will ensure that all such audience members are included within my talks.
During your Event:
One of my key responsibilities will be introducing different speakers to the stage, as well as other key people at the event. The more pertinent a guest is, the more detailed and tailored my introduction of them will be.
Once I have made my introduction for a speaker, I then lead the audience in applauding the speaker until they reach the speaking microphone. When the speaker is finished giving their speech, I lead the audience again in applause until the speaker is off the stage and on their way back to their seat.
One of my biggest responsibilities as MC is to keep the event running on time, therefore it may be necessary for me to notify a speaker if they are past their assigned time.
Before I proceed to introduce the next segment, I will thank the speaker for their presentation, and lightly touch on something they mentioned during their speech on stage. This reference can be something that was funny, interesting, or stirring. I will remain attentive at all times, and it confirms the value of the speaker’s presentation.
I will remain prepared for anything as a great MC must always be on their toes. Live events are notorious for having slight hiccups: for example, a server might spill a drink, the wrong music might play, or the scheduled speaker might be on their way back from the bathroom. I shall keep control of the event by being ready to smooth over any distractions or mishaps to keep the mood light and most of all enjoyable to the audience.
· I will always remain positive.
· I will keep things running smoothly
· I will engage the audience
At the Close of the Event:
I will make this as exciting and sincere as my opening. Normally to close the event, I will thank all of the attendants, speakers, and performers. It’s good manners to also thank everyone who helped to put the event together. I will summarise what took place at the event and what was learned, and then depending on what kind of event it was, I would encourage the audience members to take action, such as inviting them to donate money or continue to support if its a charity event, down to inviting them all to return for the next exciting gathering.
Paul Dempsey M.Inst. Mct. P.D. Events