Transcript: Master of Ceremonies (Tony Ruesing)

Video Transcript: Master of Ceremonies (Tony Ruesing)

Welcome to the session on master of ceremonies. My name is Tony Ruesing, and it's my privilege to share this information with you this morning. You have a handout, this handout is to help you take this information, learn it for yourself, and learn it for yourself by sharing it with others. I'm going to read some very specific parts of this, and give you an example of how you can use the dialog that you see here, to present it to others. It's not about memorizing what you see here and trying to deliver it. It's about bringing this information to life in such a way that you are being an acting in a spontaneous manner. It starts with how well we trust ourselves to do what we do. As an officiant, or, as a minister, you have a role, you know what that is, you know how it works, you're learning how to do that even better all the time. That's what lifelong learning is about. And when we think of ourselves in the role of a master of ceremonies, it's a little bit different than the role we typically play, or the role we typically have when we preach a sermon, deliver a message, do a counseling session, or we're doing something in a social setting, that is a little more casual than what we're describing here. 

Because it requires us to really be present to the moment to be a good solid master of ceremonies, I want to read the introduction that is going to be part of the handout that you have in front of you. And those are my words, you can use my words, but it would be better to put it in your own words. But it said it's a way for us to grab the attention of the person we're trying to share with and offer them information that they can use immediately to take on this role when necessary. And it also has in it some pieces that will give you some insight into how this is different and why it's different than what you might normally do in a presentation. Master ceremonies is a unique role. And it's one you need to do well. Let's look at why. An officiant or minister is frequently called upon to perform special ceremonies. That's what this is a very special ceremony that you've been invited to officiate. Reflect on why you were called to do what you do you or the aunt, uncle, brother, husband, father, mother, all these roles that bring you to this occasion, you can be a plumber or a painter who wants to do more, who wants to help your church who wants to help your community. 

In the instance, we are going to talk about here it is the role of Master of Ceremonies or MC where we're going to put our focus today. Sometimes it's it's just M C sometimes it's spelled EMCEE. But regardless of how it's spelled, the first thing you find familiar or unfamiliar based upon how often you perform this task is you have a microphone, and that's going to amplify your voice. Now, some people are very comfortable around the microphone, other people get anxious. So it's in your hand, it's pinned to your person are in front of you attached to a lectern. Now the thing to remember is it's going to carry your voice, you might be using it as you move around a room. So there are things that you need to know about it. That'll help you and that's why you practice with it. That's why you take it to various parts of the room, the venue where you'll be emcee. And make certain that the clarity and the quality of the voice projection is what you want it to be. Make certain you've tested it, make sure it works, make sure there are batteries in it. People are going to hear those sounds that are coming from someplace in the room, and it will be where you're standing. Now this is a tool for communication in settings that too many are unfamiliar and certainly not something they would want to do. If you were to ask 10 people to be a master of ceremonies. 

I have to tell you that only two of them would even think about it. And those two would still be anxious. Less than 2% of the people you know, would be willing to do what you're about to do. You have a special role and you need to do it so well, it becomes a memorable occasion for the folks that invited you to do it. It's not about you. It's about how well you perform the task of being a master of ceremonies. That's what the difference is. So let's come back to the important instruments the mic a little bit later. Right now, let's focus your attention. On the examples of what occasions you might be called to deliver the spoken word. And keep this in mind, you serve the community, you serve God, you are a servant, you have a servant mentality. And you're being of service, when you accept the responsibility accept the role of master ceremonies. Some of the examples of when you might be called upon to do this would be weddings, funerals, blessings, christenings, dedications, openings, award ceremonies, it could be someone retiring. The bride and groom, for example, are the parents of the child being christened or dedicated, are the special people present at this special time. And so are the guests that are surrounding the family as their support. One of the most beautiful things about a wedding ceremony are a funeral or memorial service, or the people who gather to support and encourage the event. 

I have to tell you a little quick story about my mother in law's memorial event. My mother in law, lived with us for about five years before she passed. And when she did, our pastor asked to see her Bible. And now she was in her 90s. And 25 years before, she'd been told that she had a heart condition, and that she probably wouldn't live very long. And when she was told that she had made a note in her Bible, and she had dated it, so we knew how long ago it was. And the note said, "we'll see". And I thought it was a beautiful expression of exactly who my mother in law was a very strong, loving woman who spoke her mind and had her strong opinions. The pastor and asked to see your Bible so he could go through it, and see where and how she studied the word. And the beautiful part of it was that when he eulogized her, and that story came out, everyone in the room, laughed and smiled. Chuckles joyfully recognized that's Betty, that is who Betty is and was. And that's the kind of thing that is brought out, in a situation like the one we're describing that, that a wedding ceremony, and a funeral or memorial service. Those are celebrations. 

Just like a christening is a celebration just like our retirements. celebration. The next three pages are do's and don'ts, tips, suggestions, recommendations, and subtleties to get you started on the fundamentals that you need to know to be really, really good at delivering this roll. Master of Ceremonies. Planning is essential. Where will you stand behind or around the lectern? On a podium, some people hide behind the lectern. But difference by the way, there's a difference between a podium and an elector. A lectern is what you stand behind a podium is what you stand on. And the two are often confused and people say well go to the podium, okay, you're going to the podium and the podium means that you're going to step up or to one or two steps and walk to the lectern which is sitting somewhere on the podium. Planning is central and where you sit between callings during the event is another example of the spaces that you need to be paying attention to. Master ceremonies direct the event and must be aware of many details that surround it. And they gain a clear and complete view of the wedding, for example, and the various venues that will be part of the celebration. 

So we go from one venue to the next venue to the next, which would be possibly the ceremony itself, then the the reception would be in a different venue might be downstairs in the church, it might be in a completely separate building. In between, there is picture taking, and there's mingling and and there are things that are happening. And in the wedding ceremony, there's a cake cutting portion, there's a, there's a place where very specific things are to occur. And the same thing is true of a funeral. It's true of a christening or a dedication, it's true of a coming of age, ceremony. All these pieces have very specific things attached. But the underpinning of it all, is what we do in our preparation. The reality is the of the event, regardless of how well plan will have an ebb and flow that shifts as much as sand on a beach. So we need to be reminded of the importance of planning. But we also be able to recognize that the best laid plans sometimes have glitches attached. And an emcee is capable of thinking quickly on their feet. and managing those moments. That's why it's so important to be present to the moment. When you're called to this role. You're 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. So you may have heard of the KISS principle, which is keep it simple speaker. That's really what what that's about, we have another one, what we're suggesting is that you have to see yourself as a pro. And a pro is an acronym for this, prepare, you want to create a plan and work the plan. Relate, you want to be able to relate to the audience that the people who gathered for this event. And so you relate to them by being real and authentic and genuine, by being sincere by being who you are taking that genuineness to the experience itself. And you want to optimize what's happening. So Pro is prepare, relate and optimize and effective emcee guides the event the occasion. And through all of that, it becomes an orderly sequence. And this makes it easy to follow, digest and retain. And that's really what you want the guests and those who offered you the opportunity to experience you want this to be a pleasant memory for them for years to come. And if something happens, that goes off script, it's you, they're going to be able to manage that in such a way that it will bring a smile, a snicker to them, as they recall it. 

So let's take a look at the preparation for just a minute. And again, this is right on the material that you have in front of you. And we're going to use this material and kind of walk through it. Knowing your opening cold, what we emphasize is the value of and the importance of knowing the first thing is going to come out of your mouth. And if you're able to keep that at the frontal part of this whole process, that boom, when the lights go on, the microphone is turned on and the event begins. You know exactly what it is. You're going to be saying. And your opening remark needs to have brevity attached. It doesn't need to be a solo query. So ultimately, it needs to be brief and succinct. 

You want to gather facts regarding this specific occasion. How long is the couple have known each other for an example was the person that's been memorialized ill for a long time, so that you can interact and have conversations with those in attendance, questions to be answered arrangements, how were these arrangements made? What are some of the changes have taken place since the arrangements were made? What are the timelines that we're trying to adhere to. And I have to tell you, in most situations, those timelines go out the window when the event occurs. But it's important to call people back to that, if it's possible, stories relevant to the main participants. And the one I just shared with you about my mother in law's an example of stories relevant to the main participants use metaphors, short, short stories as well. And when you do, that brings this home and drives the point home. And I'm going to suggest that one of the things that you do is you find yourself some three by five cards, or a journal, and carry them with you. And I'm a firm believer in note taking by hand. And I believe that when you capture something, you don't let things get away from you. You remember these little anecdotal events that helped you, I remember that I was listening to a gentleman. And he made a very funny remark. And I asked for permission, he said, for sure, use it, use it, I wrote it down. And I use it in many of the presentations that I do. And it's, it's spontaneous, it's, it's just happens in a setting. 

So for example, you might be talking about a particular subject, or you might be talking about a portion of the exam. And you just step away from it instantaneously. And you say something like this. I got on a scale last week, ticket popped out and said, come back when you're alone. That is a funny line, especially if, as I was at the time, on a diet trying to lose weight. And there isn't anyone, any adult that has, at some point in their life, tried to say I've got to lose weight, or I've got to gain weight. My wife, for example, can eat her weight and chocolate every week, and never gained an ounce, I, on the other hand, look at it. And I'm 10 pounds heavier. So the story is the metaphors, the short, short stories, and that's a very short story. This kind of material is used when appropriate. And it's also used to bring attention back. And in some ways, this should not be predictable. But at the same time, it needs to be rehearsed, it needs to be planned. And it needs to be in your planning process. There are words that you use to make transitions between one part of what you'll be doing and others. And there are three things really to think about when you're putting words together. And these are just practice words that you hang on to, and use them when appropriate. 

With regard to location, it's above, outside, across near beyond the neath beside, beside your chair is a bag, underneath your seat is a over on the other side of the room is where we'll start lining up. And by using that location, category, you start thinking of words that you would put to offer direction and give direction that's meaningful and works. contracts, contrasts a contrast, however, in addition to by the way. On the other hand, let's take a look at it this way. Those are good examples of having a contrast. And then the third category is comparison. Like wiser, just like our alright, in the same way similar to this is those are examples, again, of segues and you're segwaying from one piece of information to another piece of information. And by having that at the ready, you're able to make those moves. Three by five cards to make on the spot adjustments. So as you're talking to the bride and groom, before the ceremony and obviously separately in our culture The bride is, is not the sees her groom until after the ceremony itself, a three by five cards can help you make notes to yourself that you can hold on to and, and use in the service itself. Signal the end of the event. Now this is important when you are an MC and you are moving in and out of the entire process. And you come to this place where it's time to bring the event, whatever it is so close, you want to signal the end of the event. And these last few minutes. 

As as this ceremony comes to a close, before we leave, after this event, you'll find that's the signal. You're gathering back the attention, you're drawing everyone's attention back to the last thing that's going to be said, and then you close was less than 90 seconds. It could be thank you for coming on behalf of the bride and groom. We want to tell you how much we appreciate you being here and helping us celebrate this event. So it's it's very brief, very short. And what happens sometimes is people have a tendency to signal the end and then talk forever. And you don't want to do that. Regardless of the event or setting one thing remains consistently true. The most effective MCs are prepared, and they have determined in advance what information they'll need and how they plan to deliver it. So it is well received. And the emphasis is in advance. Even so called extemporaneous moments are prepared ahead of time. And the definition of extemporaneous is carefully prepared material delivered without notes. If you've seen a late night television show where the emcee is, interviewing or talking to an author will say, the next morning if you catch the early morning program, and this author is on this publicity tour, they will say exactly the same thing in the morning that they said the night before. And it sounds so casual and so natural that you think it's coming off the top of their head. 

But extemporaneous means exactly what I just described, carefully prepared material delivered without notes. And I'm reading it to you because I just want to make absolutely certain you're clear on the fact that it is prepared. Arrive early things can be flawlessly prepared. But 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 is in place. And now being implemented with the tweaks. And here is where you want to be able to expect the unexpected, because there will be times when things flat do not go as you thought they would. And then one more piece of this before we get to the resources and the actual skills that we believe you need to have. Obviously, the type of occasion will dictate where humor is appropriate. And I want to emphasize the jokes are never appropriate. This is just my opinion. There are people who who stand up and tell a joke before they start their presentations or their emceeing responsibilities. But I believe that it's never appropriate in the kind of setting which we were talking about where you're an officiant, or you're a minister. A friend of mine shared a story that happened to her when she was boarding an airplane. She's carrying a garment bag, and as she's going down the aisles. 

The hair got hooked in the seat-belt. And I'm going to read to you what what she told me because it's hysterical and I thought it was really well said. She looked down and apologized. She said, I think I'm hung up on you. I think I'm hung up on you. Well, the gentleman loosen the hanger smile and said, Gosh, I'm sorry, but I'm happily married. That's humor. That's humor. I got on a scale last week, and a ticket popped out said come back with your alone. That's humor. Those are jokes. Those are humorous, anecdotal stories that helped you make a point. I was doing something for years, I didn't realize I was doing it. I was mispronouncing Copernicus, I was saying Cooperniki. And when I was corrected, I started using it in some of my programs to illustrate that I make mistakes. And you're gonna make mistakes as an emcee, and it's okay, it's not perfect. But what is important is your ability to be able to manage those mistakes, and learn from them. I would urge you to journal every single opportunity that you have to be an emcee. So that you can take the value from each of those and you're not letting the funny stuff get away. And what did I what might not be funny at the time, it's funny later, when there's a little bit of time between when it happened. And when you retell the story. Here are the skills and abilities that you need to develop adaptability emcee's need to be able to react to situations quickly, and find the best way to respond. So adaptability is a crucial skill to doing this and doing it well. 

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 and at whatever event or setting, they happen to be officiating. Now, that means you have to be authentic, you have to be the real you. It's not the role that you take on that's so completely different than your personality, I will say that has to be projected, I will say that that that your your energy level has to be has to rise to the occasion. But I'm not saying that it'd be so different from who you are. That's unrecognizable. To be a quick thinker to be successful master. So what is requires quick thinking, and it's 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. So the one caveat that I can add to that, that I think can be really helpful to you is, is you need to be affirming. And when you're affirming what you're doing is you're not leaving someone throw you off to a place where all of a sudden there is a contest between you and this person who who has said something that was abrasive, or indirectly or directly a sarcasm. 

You have to have a sense of humor. We've already described how important that is that that sense of humor rather than joke telling is a valuable way to offer your services as an emcee. You need to be comfortable public speaking and be able to present speeches clearly calmly, and in an entertaining manner, which means that you don't want to take yourself too seriously. You want to take yourself genuinely, and that genuineness will shine through anything that's happening within the event itself. Let's go back to the microphone. Make sure it works. We said that earlier. Test and walk around with it if necessary. Go around the room to ensure it is working properly, from wherever you're standing. Keep it away from your clothing that produces noise. If it is fastened to your clothing, centered, make it as centered as much as possible. Make sure that that it's somewhere on your person where the sound quality is not being hampered by a jacket rubbing up against it. Are you brushing up against it with your hand? Make sure you check the batteries all those pieces are important. And I would say this in closing. This event is important to the people who invited you to officiate. It needs to always be important to you as well. And it needs to be something that is so important that you take time to prepare and realize that they will have a memory based upon how well this event came off for them. And you want it to be something that they appreciate, years to come. 

Then it gives you an opportunity to constantly stretch and take risks. When you accept a role that you're not familiar with. The only way you'll ever get past the anxiety that goes with that, and the anxiousness that might come the nervousness is to recognize that you always want to feel that little edge. Because when you feel that little edge, you're being present to the moment when you lose it. You start thinking in terms of how important you are, as opposed to how important those who are listening are. And it's about them. It's not about you. God bless, have a great day.