A Crash Course in MC%ing An Event

We!ve all been to events that "ow smoothly and seem to move e#ortlessly. And we!ve been to others where there are grinding gear$changes and %pacing problems!. Conversations that get interrupted before they can really get going. Proceedings that drag on endlessly. That sort of thing. The event!s MC &Master of Ceremonies' is one of the most important people in managing the "ow and ensuring things are well$paced. That!s where you come in! If you!re the MC, you need to be across enough of the event!s details and logistics to ensure things run smoothly. At the same time, you need to remain warm, upbeat and personable in guiding everyone through the evening. A good MC takes people on a journey. Think of yourself as a tour guide. It!s not about you. It!s about the places you!re showing the people who are along for the ride. And yet, you can make everyone!s journey more enjoyable by being charming, humourous and sharing of yourself. As the MC, your key responsibilities are to: $ Provide energy for the occasion. Be upbeat. Crack jokes &although, make sure they!re at your own expense not someone else!s(and don!t humiliate anyone'. $ Help people participate in and respond to what!s going on. To do this you need to be personal and authentic as well as accessible. Some of the best MCs put into words what everyone is already thinking and feeling. $ Introduce the speaker"s# and any items. You!ll also be the one )elding questions and directing them to your speaker&s' if you!re o#ering a chance to interact. If you!re interviewing someone at any point &e.g., when introducing the speaker', it!s your job to supply the facts so that whoever!s being interviewed can focus on sharing stories and communicating passion. Never ask, %So who are you and why are you here?! $ Direct tra$c unobtrusively. Try to anticipate and head o# people!s anxietie &e.g., about where the bathrooms are, what!s supposed to be happening now, etc'. At an Operation Connect event, you may also be called upon to facilitate discussion. It is true that congregation members will have primary responsibility for being good hosts and engaging in conversation with the guests seated at their tables.

A Crash Course in MC%ing An Event

But the MC can do a lot to help get the ball rolling (whether you!re introducing &and gently mocking' something like the %Conversational a la Carte! or you!re giving people %permission! to steer into deeper waters by sharing of yourself &e.g., key moments in your own journey to faith in Jesus, etc'. You!ll probably also want to work particularly hard on the %close! of the event. Most people will be mentally heading for the Exit once they realise things are ending. Work with natural momentum of that. Don!t try to )ght it. Acknowledge what a great time we!ve all had together. And return the focus to the event!s purpose or theme. &But don!t give the impression that people shouldn!t linger and chat if they!re so inclined.' One )nal thought: Surprises are often the things people remember. If you!re con)dent, a well$planned surprise can will enhance the event and help it achieve its purpose. Here are 10 Tips for Great MC$ing: 1. Get A Good Brie&ng. Clarify with the event organiser beforehand what their expectations are and what they want exactly. 2. Work To A Run Sheet. There is a lot to remember and do as an MC. Make sure your event organiser provides a run sheet so you know what happens and when. 3. Stick to Time. One major role of a good MC is to keep the event running on time. It is your role to make this happen. No one likes an event that runs over time. You need to be )rm on time. This is one element that is non$negotiable. 4. Be The Glue That Holds Things Together. Your role as MC is to link, segue and make transitions from one section or theme to another during the event. The best MCs do this seamlessly and e#ortlessly. 5. Focus On The Speakers and Performers. Remember the speakers or performers you are introducing are the stars of the show. Don!t big note yourself or let your ego get in the way. Let the event!s content shine. 6. Rehearse. Spend time at the venue before hand getting used to the set$up, lighting and sound system. Practice your lines out loud. Warm up your voice. Try to put yourself in the moment. 7. Research. Find out about the speakers or performers you are introducing. Talk to whoever booked them. Use Google. Request a formal introduction from speakers. Most speakers will be happy to help. 8. Mix Entertainment and Information. You!re after light and shade. 9. Let Your Personality Come Through. Trt not to be overly wooden or scripted. 10.Have Fun. If you are having fun, chances are everyone else will be too. Relax and enjoy the moment.