The Art of the Master (or Mistress) of Ceremonies: Filling the Gaps

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Some are born to be M.Cs, some achieve M.C-ing success, and some (most) have M.C-ing thrust upon them. Expressive Plus is often asked for tips from those who’ve had the task thrust upon them. It’s a public occasion, often a special one and many people are overwhelmed with responsibility as well as the fear of speaking in public with all its anxieites. However, good preparation, and especially some research beforehand, will … as always … help to calm the nerves and make the job more enjoyable.

A few tips here for when the inevitable gaps occur … you know the ones: the projector or any of the rest of the technology won’t play nicely, and those unsung heroes the technicians are hard at work fixing it … meanwhile you are left there with a gap to fill; the next speaker isn’t quite ready … meanwhile you are left with a gap to fill, and so on. You have to keep things moving ahead. What to do?

Here’s where your research comes to the fore. Most of the tips below relate to occasions like club functions and conferences, but equally some apply to other more social occasions.

• Research each of the speakers. Who are they? Where are they from? Check their biogs and if you get a chance, speak briefly with them before their session. Knowing this means you can fill in a bit about them.
• Hook the audience with an anecdote on topic. Your own experience or thoughts … or a story add a personal flavour and focus.
• Who are the audience? Who’s there? Where do they come from? Welcome them. People love being treated as something special.
• The venue and surroundings. If there is something special about the place, comment.
• Housekeeping. What’s the latest update on the day? Don’t forget key reminders on the time line for the event. Most people like to know what, who, and when.
• Thanks the sponsors if you have them. They’re special too.

And of course, smile. Don’t ever show you are anxious about your performance.