Master Of Ceremonies - MC

The Master of Ceremonies or “MC” is the individual who leads the program at an event. The MC is usually hired by the client or the event planner to lead the tempo of the program. An MC is usually a talented public speaker who can raise the energy of the crowd and hold their own on stage. The MC is the most visible person at the event so they should be well spoken and groomed. The MC is usually placed on stage with or without a podium and with or without a speech. The MC introduces all the other speakers and could be the main organizers or chairperson of the event. An MC could also be a comedian, a celebrity, a radio personality, a president of a company, an influential person or anyone else who can carry an entire program. The MC does not have to be the only person who speaks but they do introduce each speaker and are a familiar face for the crowd. An MC will do any introductions; make jokes or campaign for a particular cause. An MC is often used at events such as:

• Award shows
• Galas
• Banquets
• Fundraisers
• Luncheons
• Birthday parties
• Bar/Bat Mitzvahs
• Corporate Events

The MC should be aware of the event’s timeline so that they can pause at the appropriate moments and keep track of the time so that the program’s event ends when scheduled. The chosen MC should be upbeat and able to keep the crowd energized because there is nothing worse than having a bad MC at your event. If an MC is inexperienced and boring then their presence will totally kill the energy in the room. It is already difficult to sit for hours listening to someone speak but to have a boring speaker on top of that is just cruel. Sometimes, there is no way around having a particular speaker and not everyone is going to be great a public speaking. So, the event planner should find a way to shorten the length of the program itself so that it won’t be as painful for the guests. The event planner could even suggest a change of order in the program so that the boring speaker gives his speech first. If you don’t have time to preview the program then make sure that every other aspect of the event is exciting enough to make the guests forget about the program