Readings: Officiant Master of Ceremonies of Program and Events

Introduction: 

An Officiant is frequently called upon to perform special ceremonies.  Reflect on why you were called to do what you do.  You are the aunt, uncle, brother, husband, father, mother, all roles that bring you to this occasion. In the instance we are going to talk about here, it is the role of Master of Ceremonies, or MC, sometimes spelled emcee.

Regardless of how it is spelled, the first thing you will find, familiar or unfamiliar based upon how often you perform this task is; you have a microphone that is going to amplify your voice, it’s in your hand, pinned to your person, or in front of you attached to a lectern, and it will carry your voice.  Make certain you have tested it, it works, and you have been diligent in knowing how close or how far it needs to be from your lips to work properly. People are going to hear the sounds that are coming from someplace in the room where you are standing.  

 

This is a tool for communication in settings that to many are unfamiliar and certainly not something they would want to do. They unlike you, would rather swallow a goldfish than do what you are about to do, speak to an audience. In fact, less than 2% of the people you know would be willing to do what you are about to do.  You have a special role and you need to do it so well; it becomes a memorable occasion. It is not about you, its about how well you perform the task of keeping the mood and message in sync.

 

Let us come back to this important instrument, the mic, because it is going to help you message what you have been called upon to deliver.  Right now, focus your attention on examples of what occasions you might be called upon to deliver the spoken word.

You are God’s servant; in this moment you are directing the event.  You are an important person in the room, but not the focus of the event You are there as the glue that brings together and holds together the audience that has assembled and are present at this special time.  The bride and groom for example, or the parents of the child being christened or dedicated, are the special people present at this special time; so too, are the invited guests. Your performance needs to seamless.

Here are just a few of the most obvious events where your services are requested.

Weddings, funerals, blessings, christenings, dedications, openings, award ceremonies. Inductions, graduations and retirement celebrations.  I am certain in this capacity based upon your experience and/or personal knowledge you can recall even more.

It cannot be emphasized enough that planning, preparation, practice, and performance will all be necessary.

 

The next three pages are do’s, don’ts, tips, suggestions, recommendations, and subtleties to get you started fundamentals you need to know. Some are obvious and repeated here to burn in your brain, so you never forget to take this seriously and respectfully on behalf of those who have called you to the task.

I would highly recommend you recognize that this calling is one where learning never ends.

Planning is essential.  Where you will stand, behind or around a lectern, on a podium, at a dais, where you will sit between callings during the event, are just a few of the spaces you will need to be familiar with to do your job.  They can be endless and yet extremely important to assure that your delivery is professionally orchestrated.

Practice is a noun and describes the actual application or use of an idea, belief, or method. Practice for an MC goes beyond theory. While theory begins in the brain it must transform to the agility you need in this role.  Plans are essential to performance.  Yet, there will be times when you must ad-lib for things to be managed so well, they become “memorable moments”, moments that will be fondly recalled and relived in the thoughts of those in attendance for years to come.

 

Your Role Host and requires you to be:  Present to the Moment

 

Meet with Organizers-Prior to an event, the MC meets with the organizers to run through what’s expected of them, understand who else will be participating in the event, and discuss the overall agenda.

Construct Agenda-If the organizers have not already done so, the master of ceremonies will prepare an agenda for the event and plan out a schedule so they can time each section and transition to the next participant to ensure everything runs smoothly.

Check Participators-On the day of the event, the master of ceremonies checks confirms everyone is present who is required to be and amends the schedule and speech to accommodate any last-minute changes to the running order of the occasion.

Ensure Events Run to Schedule-The master of ceremonies checks that everything is running to time and will monitor if anything is overrunning so that it can be tactfully interrupted, such as a speech that is going over schedule at a wedding.

 

Seven Signals Audiences Want to Hear:

1.    I will not waste your time.

2.    I understand why you are here.

3.    I am well organized.

4.    I know what is expected of me.

5.    I am here to deliver an opening and a mood.

6.    I am lasered focused on the occasion.

7      I will bring the event to closure.

Masters of ceremonies direct the event and must be aware of many details that surround the event being emceed. Gain a clear and complete view of the wedding for example, and the various venues that will be part of the celebration. 

 

The realities of the event, regardless of how well planned, will have an ebb and flow that shifts as much as sand on a beach. Your job is to be unruffled. Get to know the wedding party as much as possible in preparing to act as the ‘director’ in ready.  You are coordinating the movements, the specific stations and activities that the wedding planners have been working on for quite some time.  Now, the actual event is taking place and your role is to smoothly execute those plans.

 

You may have heard it said, “use the “KISS” principle, Keep it simple, speaker.

 

See yourself as a PRO

 

·      Prepare (create a plan and work the plan)

·      Relate

·      Optimize

 

An effective MC guides the event/occasion listener through an orderly sequence that makes it easy for them to follow, digest and retain.

 

Preparation

·       Know your opening cold

·       Opening remark (brevity always)

·      Facts regarding the specific occasion

·      Questions to be answered

o   Arrangements

o   Changes/timelines

·      Stories relevant to main participants

o   Metaphors

o   Short, short, short, stories

·      Monologue material to be used when appropriate

·      Brief filler lines at the ready (sound bites, only nibbles)

·      Words to use in transitions during the event

o   Location – above, outside, across, near, beyond, beneath, beside.

o   Contrast – however, so, on the hand, otherwise, but.

o   Comparison – likewise, just like, in the same way, similar to, like, just as.

·      3x5 cards to make “on the spot” adjustments.

·      Signal the end of the event, then, close in 90 seconds or less.

 

 

Regardless of the event or setting, one thing remains consistently true. The most effective MC's are prepared. They have determined, in advance, what information they will need and how they plan to deliver it, so it is well received.  The emphasis is, in advance. Even so-called extemporaneous moments are prepared ahead of time. The definition of extemporaneous is, “carefully prepared material delivered without notes.  Keep in mind it takes three weeks to prepare an impromptu comment or remark. It is why you journal after every event in which you participant. It is a constant never-ending improvement opportunity that is you capture for future delivery.

 

Do Arrive Early:

 

Things can be flawlessly prepared.  When the plans are put into action, they often go awry. Early arrival gives you plenty of time to make the adjustments that always come when the planning in place is now being implemented with tweaks.   Expected the unexpected.

 

Humor Relates:

 

Obviously, the type of occasion will dictate where humor is appropriate. Jokes are not funny nor are they appropriate in the kind of setting in which you will officiate. A friend of my shared a story that happened to her on a flight to Denver.  She was carrying a garment bag as she boarded the and a hanger got caught in seat belt as she walked back to her assigned seat. She looked down, apologized and said, “I think I’m hung up on you.” He loosened the hanger, smiled, and said, “Gosh, I’m sorry, I am a happily married man.” That is humor!

 

Resources Optimized:

 

·      Personal Energy

·      Look the part

·      Be aware of your speech pattern

·      Take it slow

·      Excited & Passionate

·      Proper Tone of Voice

·      When things go wrong be ready

·      Interview principals in the event

 

 

 

 

 

 

Skills to Develop:

*Adaptability – MCs need to be able to react to situations quickly and find the best way to respond, so adaptability is a crucial skill to this job

*Friendly Disposition – A master of ceremonies needs to be relaxed, professional, and friendly. These professionals need to be able to put people at ease and make an audience feel welcome at whatever event or setting they happen to work.

*Quick Thinker – To be a successful master of ceremonies, quick thinking is a must-have skill. As situations arise or audiences react in unexpected ways, a master of ceremonies needs to be able to remain calm under pressure and quickly resolve the issue.

*Sense of Humor – Adding comedy to the presentation or speech is a great way to calm an audience and make people feel comfortable. A key skill to being a successful master of ceremonies is a great sense of humor and the ability to make people laugh.

*Presentation Skills – MCs need to be comfortable public speakers and be able to present speeches clearly, calmly, and in an entertaining manner.

*Microphone – Make sure it works. Test and walk with it if necessary, around to room, to insure it is working properly from wherever you are standing. Keep it away from clothing that produces noise if it is fastened to your clothing centered as much as possible. Check the batteries if it is wireless to insure it continues to function throughout the event.