Wedding receptions often have a Master of Ceremonies (MC) to keep the day running smoothly. This role is sometimes handed to the Best Man, or another close friend of the Groom.
The role of MC is simple. It requires you to make a few announcements loudly and clearly as the day progresses. The Groom may know exactly what he wants these to be, but they usually include some or all of the following:
If you are a nervous Best Man, then being MC is often a safe way of getting over many of your biggest fears before your speech. You’ll have the chance to shout out some pretty straightforward messages, getting you used to speaking in front of an audience. You’ll appear confident and in a position of responsibility from the start, which will impress fellow guests. Most importantly it will give you an idea of the acoustics and a feel for the microphone. Although you may worry about the first announcement, you’ll grow into the role throughout the day and will feel immeasurably more relaxed by the time you come to give your speech.
Here are some responsibilities in the role of Master of Ceremonies:
However we can arrange for one if desired, we do have access to many types of entertainers. Whilst a witty foreword before introducing each speaker can work well, it must be kept short and relevant.
“We will preside with sincerity, energy and decisiveness. We take your audience on a pleasant journey and make them feel that all is going well”
Our objective is to keep the event running on time. Attendees appreciate an event that runs on time. We will keep a watch in front of you on the lectern or table to enable you to keep track of the time. Or, arrange beforehand for someone in the audience to keep track of the meeting and give you subtle signals if the meeting is moving behind schedule.
Opening Comments
During the Program Introductions/”Handling” the Speakers:
Bridging
An essential skill of an MC is the ability to make comments which “bridge” between segments of the meeting. Prior to the meeting try to prepare some remarks which might be used to bridge between segments or comments or anecdotes which could be used if there is a delay or disruption in the program. A skilled MC is able to use incidents that occur in the event as bridging tools. Don’t worry if you are not sure how to do this. This skill can be gained with experience and practice if it does not come naturally to you.
If the event is several hours in duration, and there are breaks during it, it could be useful to make a few comments summarizing what has happened so far in the event, and what is yet to come.
If there is a gift or honorarium for the speaker(s) it can be presented at the conclusion of their speech. If there are several individuals to receive gifts they can all be presented at the conclusion of the event if this seems appropriate and all the speakers will still be available.
Closing the Meeting
We close the event with as much enthusiasm as was opened with. At the end of the session it is customary to thank the speakers and thank all who attended for their participation. We think it is a good idea to include comments which summarize what was experienced or achieved in the event, what you have learned or what you felt were the highlights of the event.
In addition, if any people were of particular help to you in organizing and conducting the event, thank them publicly at this point for their assistance. If there are only a few people who assisted you can name them individually. If many people, you can say that you have had a large group of people helping you make the event a success, and you would like to thank all of them for their support. We may ask them to rise to be acknowledged.
Our closing comments as MC should mirror the opening comments. We also consider commenting on whether, in your opinion, the goal of the event has been achieved. If not, you could comment on what further action can or should be taken. If the event was intended to inspire action in your audience we will note this and encourage them to take action. If assistance for further work is being sought we will direct people as to whom to see to indicate their interest. If we want to inspire your audience to take further action after the meeting we use an inspirational story or quote that might be useful.
For example:
After the Event
Following an event it is appropriate to send a note of thanks to all who contributed to the success of the event in a major way. In particular speakers should be thanked for their contribution. This correspondence should be sent within two weeks of the event. If you do not carry out this task someone key in the organization that sponsored the event should perform this very important courtesy.
This is what to expect from an experienced MC from Sonic Sensations for your event or wedding!
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