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
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