This article was co-authored by Stefanie Chu-Leong and by wikiHow staff writer, Luke Smith, MFA. Stefanie Chu-Leong is the Owner and Senior Event Planner for Stellify Events, an event management business based in the San Francisco Bay Area and California Central Valley. Stefanie has over 15 years of event planning experience and specializes in large-scale events and special occasions. She has a BA in Marketing from San Francisco State University.
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A master of ceremonies (also known as an MC or emcee) is the official host for a staged event, performance, or party. Normally, a good master of ceremonies introduces speakers, makes announcements, and engages with the audience to keep the ceremony agenda flowing as smoothly as possible. While being a master of ceremonies might seem like a daunting task, there are a few ways you can nail your responsibility as MC, and radiate confidence and charisma to keep the ceremony entertaining for all. We’ll show you how to both prepare for and execute your role as the perfect MC.
Things You Should Know
- Dress a little nicer than the indicated dress code, which will help you to stand out and better represent the organization hosting the event.
- Introduce each guest, lead the audience in applause, and transition between speakers by commenting on the prior presentation and interacting with attendees.
- Stay loose and calm by taking deep breaths and speaking slowly, and embrace any hiccups that might occur, rather than acting out in response.
Steps
Community Q&A
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QuestionWhat are some creative things an MC can do in a graduation ceremony?wikiHow Staff EditorThis answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.
Staff AnswerwikiHow Staff EditorStaff AnswerGather some stories from the faculty and students, and consider telling short versions of them in your speech or your transitions! -
QuestionHow can I become more willing to be the master of ceremonies at a wedding?wikiHow Staff EditorThis answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.
Staff AnswerwikiHow Staff EditorStaff AnswerIf you're nervous about emceeing a wedding, practice your public speaking, and work with the engaged couple to adjust the role to your comfort level, taking on less work or public speaking as you might otherwise. -
QuestionWhen introducing VIPs in an event, should it start from the less important and move to the most influential?wikiHow Staff EditorThis answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.
Staff AnswerwikiHow Staff EditorStaff AnswerIf you're unsure, it's best to introduce them in the order of their appearance on stage (which is usually in the order of their importance, anyway).
References
- ↑ https://www.forbes.com/sites/joanmichelson2/2019/10/27/how-to-be-a-great-public-speakertips-from-emceeing-a-gala/?sh=2deddb535fe3
- ↑ https://westsidetoastmasters.com/resources/talk_your_way/ch15.html
- ↑ https://westsidetoastmasters.com/resources/talk_your_way/ch15.html
- ↑ https://www.tsnn.com/blog/master-ceremonies-makes-difference-your-shows-success
- ↑ https://www.tsnn.com/blog/master-ceremonies-makes-difference-your-shows-success
- ↑ https://www.stylist.co.uk/weddings/female-master-of-ceremonies-tips-what-to-expect-mc-wedding/262698
- ↑ https://mch.co.uk/top-10-tips-from-a-professional-master-of-ceremonies.shtml
- ↑ https://www.toastmasters.org/magazine/articles/when-you-are-the-emcee
- ↑ https://mch.co.uk/top-10-tips-from-a-professional-master-of-ceremonies.shtml
About This Article
To be a good master of ceremonies, start by welcoming the audience with a simple opening, such as “Welcome to the Northeast Conference of Famers Meeting.” Next, introduce each speaker, and lead the audience in applause before and after they speak. Additionally, try to say something funny or meaningful about the speaker’s performance to keep the audience engaged between segments. Then, close the program by summarizing the event and thanking the attendees and speakers. For advice on how to prepare ahead of time to be a good master of ceremonies, scroll down!