Being a Master of Ceremonies
The Master of Ceremonies is the "conductor" of an event or meeting. The primary responsibility of the Master of Ceremonies is to serve as a genial host. An ideal MC is a person who has poise, presence and who can command the attention of an audience.

The Master of Ceremonies is responsible for ensuring that the program/event runs smoothly, runs on time and that all speakers at the event are introduced in a complimentary, professional manner. Being a successful Master of Ceremonies requires, preparation, a friendly manner and ability to adjust to/ad lib as necessary to ensure a successful event.

Roles and Responsibilities
Before the Event

1. A successful Master of Ceremonies is thoroughly prepared.
2. If possible contact all speakers or others who will have a role in the program and confirm their responsibilities, time allotted to them and anything they might require at the event.
3. Find out if there will be any special guests in attendance who should be acknowledged at the event.

At the Event

• Arrive early in order to finish any last minute details.
• Check with speakers and other meeting participants to make sure all their requirements are in place (if not take steps to address any problems if you can) and in case there are any last minute changes.
• Confirm whether expected special guests are indeed in attendance.
• Have an agenda and plan to stick to it
• Start on time and plan to end on time.
• Be prepared! While you can plan well, things can run amuck.

Opening Comments

1. Welcome all present. If there are any special guests, officials, politicians or others of note they should be acknowledged in the welcome.
2. Introduce yourself, even if you think everyone should know who you are.
3. Remind the audience of why they have come -- the reason for the event and what you hope to achieve or accomplish at the event.
4. Outline the upcoming program briefly.

During the Program Introductions/"Handling" the Speakers

• A proper introduction is important to the success of a speaker's presentation so have a good introduction prepared prior to the event for all key speakers.
• Lead the applause for the speaker and continue applauding until they reach the lectern/podium.
• The MC serves as the informal "timekeeper" for the speaker.
• Before you proceed on to the next portion of the program it is appropriate to thank the speaker for their presentation

Bridging the Gap

An essential skill of an MC is the ability to make comments which "bridge" between segments of the meeting. A skilled MC is able to use incidents that occur in the event as bridging tools.

Closing the Meeting

"The perfect M.C. makes the audience feel they have profited from attending the function, and that they have also had a good time".- Letitia Baldrige
Close the event with as much enthusiasm as you opened with. At the end of the session it is customary to thank the speakers and thank all who attended for their participation. 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.
Your closing comments as MC should mirror your opening comments.

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.

Learning More!
When it comes to being a polished Master of Ceremonies there is no substitute for experience. Take every opportunity that you can to speak at events.

Resources
Be an Effective Master of Ceremonies , Iowa State University, College of Agriculture,
http://www.ag.iastate.edu/aginfo/mc.html
Letitia Baldrige's Complete Guide to Executive Manners, Rawson Associates, New York, 1985
When You are the Toastmaster. Toastmasters International