Being a Maestro of Ceremonies

Taking on the assignment of being a host, a master of ceremonies or “compêre” as it called in certain countries can be an exhilarating and a challenging job. A person doing the task can shine or simply sink the crowd and the occasion into oblivion. Yet, being a Maestro of Ceremonies is a form of Public Speaking and can be learned and practiced.

I have been Maestro of Ceremonies scores of times and I have, always, loved the challenge, the exposure and the opportunity to enthral, educate and entertain large audiences. Here are quick tips on how to go about doing this job well. For deeper learning, of course I’d recommend investing in my book, the HeART of public Speaking, available on Amazon and in stores in the Philippines.

 #1 Relax when you get assigned to be the MOC. Trust in “This Too Shall Pass!” Breathe normally.I~^{P

 #2 Just like you choose happiness plan to choose being charming and engaging for the event.

 #3 Read up, internalize, and get all the details right at least a day before. Know all names of speakers, presenter, etc; and memorize them if you can. Breathe, nice & cool!

#4 Divide the work, the time and the spotlight properly between you and your lovely co- host, if any. Build rapport with co-host even before the event.

#5 Print ONLY that you MUST read and in really big, bold font. Number your note-pages BOLDLY. Memorize the ad-Lib and “improv” the rest of the material.

#6 On the night before the event and the event day...rest a lot, eat right and light. Drink no liquor and smoke no tobacco before the event.

 #7 Test the stage sounds by ALSO letting someone else speak from the lectern while you listen for clarity from the farthest end of the event hall.

 #8 Many will recommend start with a bang. I say start cool. Real slow, suave and cool!  Build up a crescendo. Breathe nice & cool throughout the process.

 #9 “Emceeing” or Compère-ing requires more listening and orchestrating than speaking. It is gracious facilitation of a dialogue between the speakers and the audience.

 #10 Stay aware. Watch people. Listen to people. Give other speakers, presenters and the audience a 101% attention. Continue to focus on your breathing. Breathe cool.

 #11 Use selected words and humor expressed by one presenter to link & connect the introduction and topic of another presenter. Weave in “Theme of the Day.” Flow with ease through your adlibs and improvisation.

 #12 Depending on size of the room and the size of the audience speak 10% to 20% louder than normal. Smile inwardly and outwardly as you talk. It’ll be felt and sensed by all the people present.

 #13 If you stumble, mumble or fumble make light of it quickly; forgive yourself quickly and move on. Smile and Let the Show Go On. People understand and are usually kind. If your co-host stumbles, mumbles or fumbles make do as if it was your error and you will be liked by all.

 #14 While speaking make eye contact, pause often, and project voice as if you were speaking to the last person in the hall.

#15 Build up other speakers/presenters before they speak and thank them after they speak. (the book, the HeART of Public Speaking, has the protocol on Introducing Speakers)

 #16 Every once in a while, sparingly and carefully, engage an audience member through a rhetoric question or a light conversation recall you might have had with them earlier. This is an effort on inclusion and engagement. It, usually, engages a lot more people than just the ones you may have had spoken to.

#17 Sustain your stamina, stay enthused. Drink warm water every now and then and have light snacks throughout the event. Focus on your breathing and on staying relaxed.

 #18 Summarize, together with your co-host, the activities and in your summary include words and points made by all Presenters and Speakers.

#19 Have a pre-planned, pre-practiced simple quote relevant to the event and use it before you bid adieu and thank everyone profusely.

#20 Relax & celebrate.  This Too Has Passed. Watch this Video. This, though, I must confess was a large event and very tightly scripted.

 #21 For the next time invest in a book and an audio book called, the HeART of Public Speaking because Public Speaking, like Leadership, is not just about Looking Good or Speaking Good but really and truly about Doing Good!

Raju Mandhyan